Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters

ABSTRACT

Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/557,043, filed Nov. 8, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/610,257, filed Mar. 13, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

ABC transporters are a family of membrane transporter proteins that regulate the transport of a wide variety of pharmacological agents, potentially toxic drugs, and xenobiotics, as well as anions. ABC transporters are homologous membrane proteins that bind and use cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for their specific activities. Some of these transporters were discovered as multidrug resistance proteins (like the MDR1-P glycoprotein, or the multidrug resistance protein, MRP1), defending malignant cancer cells against chemotherapeutic agents. To date, 48 ABC Transporters have been identified and grouped into 7 families based on their sequence identity and function.

ABC transporters regulate a variety of important physiological roles within the body and provide defense against harmful environmental compounds. Because of this, they represent important potential drug targets for the treatment of diseases associated with defects in the transporter, prevention of drug transport out of the target cell, and intervention in other diseases in which modulation of ABC transporter activity may be beneficial.

One member of the ABC transporter family commonly associated with disease is the cAMP/ATP-mediated anion channel, CFTR. CFTR is expressed in a variety of cells types, including absorptive and secretory epithelia cells, where it regulates anion flux across the membrane, as well as the activity of other ion channels and proteins. In epithelia cells, normal functioning of CFTR is critical for the maintenance of electrolyte transport throughout the body, including respiratory and digestive tissue. CFTR is composed of approximately 1480 amino acids that encode a protein made up of a tandem repeat of transmembrane domains, each containing six transmembrane helices and a nucleotide binding domain. The two transmembrane domains are linked by a large, polar, regulatory (R)-domain with multiple phosphorylation sites that regulate channel activity and cellular trafficking.

The gene encoding CFTR has been identified and sequenced (See Gregory, R. J. et al. (1990) Nature 347:382-386; Rich, D. P. et al. (1990) Nature 347:358-362), (Riordan, J. R. et al. (1989) Science 245:1066-1073). A defect in this gene causes mutations in CFTR resulting in Cystic Fibrosis (“CF”), the most common fatal genetic disease in humans. Cystic Fibrosis affects approximately one in every 2,500 infants in the United States. Within the general United States population, up to 10 million people carry a single copy of the defective gene without apparent ill effects. In contrast, individuals with two copies of the CF associated gene suffer from the debilitating and fatal effects of CF, including chronic lung disease.

In patients with cystic fibrosis, mutations in CFTR endogenously expressed in respiratory epithelia leads to reduced apical anion secretion causing an imbalance in ion and fluid transport. The resulting decrease in anion transport contributes to enhanced mucus accumulation in the lung and the accompanying microbial infections that ultimately cause death in CF patients. In addition to respiratory disease, CF patients typically suffer from gastrointestinal problems and pancreatic insufficiency that, if left untreated, results in death. In addition, the majority of males with cystic fibrosis are infertile and fertility is decreased among females with cystic fibrosis. In contrast to the severe effects of two copies of the CF associated gene, individuals with a single copy of the CF associated gene exhibit increased resistance to cholera and to dehydration resulting from diarrhea—perhaps explaining the relatively high frequency of the CF gene within the population.

Sequence analysis of the CFTR gene of CF chromosomes has revealed a variety of disease causing mutations (Cutting, G. R. et al. (1990) Nature 346:366-369; Dean, M. et al. (1990) Cell 61:863:870; and Kerem, B-S. et al. (1989) Science 245:1073-1080; Kerem, B-S et al. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:8447-8451). To date, >1000 disease causing mutations in the CF gene have been identified (http://www.genet.sickkids.on.ca/cftr/). The most prevalent mutation is a deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 of the CFTR amino acid sequence, and is commonly referred to as ΔF508-CFTR. This mutation occurs in approximately 70% of the cases of cystic fibrosis and is associated with a severe disease.

The deletion of residue 508 in ΔF508-CFTR prevents the nascent protein from folding correctly. This results in the inability of the mutant protein to exit the ER, and traffic to the plasma membrane. As a result, the number of channels present in the membrane is far less than observed in cells expressing wild-type CFTR. In addition to impaired trafficking, the mutation results in defective channel gating. Together, the reduced number of channels in the membrane and the defective gating lead to reduced anion transport across epithelia leading to defective ion and fluid transport. (Quinton, P. M. (1990), FASEB J. 4: 2709-2727). Studies have shown, however, that the reduced numbers of ΔF508-CFTR in the membrane are functional, albeit less than wild-type CFTR. (Dalemans et al. (1991), Nature Lond. 354: 526-528; Denning et al., supra; Pasyk and Foskett (1995), J. Cell. Biochem. 270: 12347-50). In addition to ΔF508-CFTR, other disease causing mutations in CFTR that result in defective trafficking, synthesis, and/or channel gating could be up- or down-regulated to alter anion secretion and modify disease progression and/or severity.

Although CFTR transports a variety of molecules in addition to anions, it is clear that this role (the transport of anions) represents one element in an important mechanism of transporting ions and water across the epithelium. The other elements include the epithelial Na⁺ channel, ENaC, Na⁺/2Cl⁻/K⁺ co-transporter, Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase pump and the basolateral membrane K⁺ channels, that are responsible for the uptake of chloride into the cell.

These elements work together to achieve directional transport across the epithelium via their selective expression and localization within the cell. Chloride absorption takes place by the coordinated activity of ENaC and CFTR present on the apical membrane and the Na⁺—K⁺-ATPase pump and Cl− channels expressed on the basolateral surface of the cell. Secondary active transport of chloride from the luminal side leads to the accumulation of intracellular chloride, which can then passively leave the cell via Cl⁻ channels, resulting in a vectorial transport. Arrangement of Na⁺/2Cl⁻/K⁺ co-transporter, Na⁺—K⁺-ATPase pump and the basolateral membrane K⁺ channels on the basolateral surface and CFTR on the luminal side coordinate the secretion of chloride via CFTR on the luminal side. Because water is probably never actively transported itself, its flow across epithelia depends on tiny transepithelial osmotic gradients generated by the bulk flow of sodium and chloride.

In addition to Cystic Fibrosis, modulation of CFTR activity may be beneficial for other diseases not directly caused by mutations in CFTR, such as secretory diseases and other protein folding diseases mediated by CFTR. These include, but are not limited to, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry eye disease, and Sjögren's Syndrome.

COPD is characterized by airflow limitation that is progressive and not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is due to mucus hypersecretion, emphysema, and bronchiolitis. Activators of mutant or wild-type CFTR offer a potential treatment of mucus hypersecretion and impaired mucociliary clearance that is common in COPD. Specifically, increasing anion secretion across CFTR may facilitate fluid transport into the airway surface liquid to hydrate the mucus and optimized periciliary fluid viscosity. This would lead to enhanced mucociliary clearance and a reduction in the symptoms associated with COPD. Dry eye disease is characterized by a decrease in tear aqueous production and abnormal tear film lipid, protein and mucin profiles. There are many causes of dry eye, some of which include age, Lasik eye surgery, arthritis, medications, chemical/thermal burns, allergies, and diseases, such as Cystic Fibrosis and Sjögrens's syndrome. Increasing anion secretion via CFTR would enhance fluid transport from the corneal endothelial cells and secretory glands surrounding the eye to increase corneal hydration. This would help to alleviate the symptoms associated with dry eye disease. Sjögrens's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands throughout the body, including the eye, mouth, skin, respiratory tissue, liver, vagina, and gut. Symptoms, include, dry eye, mouth, and vagina, as well as lung disease. The disease is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, systemic sclerosis, and polymypositis/dermatomyositis. Defective protein trafficking is believed to cause the disease, for which treatment options are limited. Modulators of CFTR activity may hydrate the various organs afflicted by the disease and help to elevate the associated symptoms.

As discussed above, it is believed that the deletion of residue 508 in ΔF508-CFTR prevents the nascent protein from folding correctly, resulting in the inability of this mutant protein to exit the ER, and traffic to the plasma membrane. As a result, insufficient amounts of the mature protein are present at the plasma membrane and chloride transport within epithelial tissues is significantly reduced. In fact, this cellular phenomenon of defective ER processing of ABC transporters by the ER machinery has been shown to be the underlying basis not only for CF disease, but for a wide range of other isolated and inherited diseases. The two ways that the ER machinery can malfunction is either by loss of coupling to ER export of the proteins leading to degradation, or by the ER accumulation of these defective/misfolded proteins [Aridor M, et al., Nature Med., 5(7), pp 745-751 (1999); Shastry, B. S., et al., Neurochem. International, 43, pp 1-7 (2003); Rutishauser, J., et al., Swiss Med Wkly, 132, pp 211-222 (2002); Morello, J P et al., TIPS, 21, pp. 466-469 (2000); Bross P., et al., Human Mut., 14, pp. 186-198 (1999)]. The diseases associated with the first class of ER malfunction are Cystic fibrosis (due to misfolded ΔF508-CFTR as discussed above), emphysema (due to al-antitrypsin; non Piz variants), Hereditary hemochromatosis, Coagulation-Fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as Protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, Lipid processing deficiencies, such as Familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, Abetalipoproteinemia, Lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/Pseudo-Hurler, Mucopolysaccharidoses (due to Lysosomal processing enzymes), Sandhof/Tay-Sachs (due to β-Hexosaminidase), Crigler-Najjar type II (due to UDP-glucuronyl-sialyc-transferase), Polyendocrinopathy/Hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus (due to Insulin receptor), Laron dwarfism (due to Growth hormone receptor), Myleoperoxidase deficiency, Primary hypoparathyroidism (due to Preproparathyroid hormone), Melanoma (due to Tyrosinase). The diseases associated with the latter class of ER malfunction are Glycanosis CDG type 1, emphysema (due to α1-Antitrypsin (PiZ variant), Congenital hyperthyroidism, Osteogenesis imperfecta (due to Type I, II, IV procollagen), Hereditary hypofibrinogenemia (due to Fibrinogen), ACT deficiency (due to α1-Antichymotrypsin), Diabetes insipidus (DI), Neurophyseal DI (due to Vasopvessin hormone/V2-receptor), Neprogenic DI (due to Aquaporin II), Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome (due to Peripheral myelin protein 22), Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (due to βAPP and presenilins), Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, Spinocerebullar ataxia type I, Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and Myotonic dystrophy, as well as Spongiform encephalopathies, such as Hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to Prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease (due to lysosomal α-galactosidase A) and Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (due to Prp processing defect).

In addition to up-regulation of CFTR activity, reducing anion secretion by CFTR modulators may be beneficial for the treatment of secretory diarrheas, in which epithelial water transport is dramatically increased as a result of secretagogue activated chloride transport. The mechanism involves elevation of cAMP and stimulation of CFTR.

Although there are numerous causes of diarrhea, the major consequences of diarrheal diseases, resulting from excessive chloride transport are common to all, and include dehydration, acidosis, impaired growth and death.

Acute and chronic diarrheas represent a major medical problem in many areas of the world. Diarrhea is both a significant factor in malnutrition and the leading cause of death (5,000,000 deaths/year) in children less than five years old.

Secretory diarrheas are also a dangerous condition in patients of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 16 million travelers to developing countries from industrialized nations every year develop diarrhea, with the severity and number of cases of diarrhea varying depending on the country and area of travel.

Diarrhea in barn animals and pets such as cows, pigs and horses, sheep, goats, cats and dogs, also known as scours, is a major cause of death in these animals. Diarrhea can result from any major transition, such as weaning or physical movement, as well as in response to a variety of bacterial or viral infections and generally occurs within the first few hours of the animal's life.

The most common diarrhea causing bacteria is enterotoxogenic E-coli (ETEC) having the K99 pilus antigen. Common viral causes of diarrhea include rotavirus and coronavirus. Other infectious agents include cryptosporidium, giardia lamblia, and salmonella, among others.

Symptoms of rotaviral infection include excretion of watery feces, dehydration and weakness. Coronavirus causes a more severe illness in the newborn animals, and has a higher mortality rate than rotaviral infection. Often, however, a young animal may be infected with more than one virus or with a combination of viral and bacterial microorganisms at one time. This dramatically increases the severity of the disease.

Accordingly, there is a need for modulators of an ABC transporter activity, and compositions thereof, that can be used to modulate the activity of the ABC transporter in the cell membrane of a mammal.

There is a need for methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators of ABC transporter activity.

There is a need for methods of modulating an ABC transporter activity in an ex vivo cell membrane of a mammal.

There is a need for modulators of CFTR activity that can be used to modulate the activity of CFTR in the cell membrane of a mammal.

There is a need for methods of treating CFTR-mediated diseases using such modulators of CFTR activity.

There is a need for methods of modulating CFTR activity in an ex vivo cell membrane of a mammal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has now been found that compounds of this invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ABC transporter activity, particularly CTFR activity. These compounds have the general formula I:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein         independently for each occurrence:     -   Y is OH or NH; and     -   X is CO₂J;         -   wherein J is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   R is H, OH, OCH₃ or two R taken together form —OCH₂O— or         —OCF₂O—;     -   R₁ is H or up to two C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   R₂ is H or halo; and     -   R₃ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   or Y and X combine to form a compound of formula II:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein         independently for each occurrence:     -   R is H, OH, OCH₃ or two R taken together form —OCH₂O— or         —OCF₂O—;     -   R₁ is H or up to two C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   R₂ is H or halo;     -   R₃ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl;     -   Y is O or NR₄; and     -   R₄ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl.

The invention also provides methods for preparing compounds of formula I and II.

These compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof are useful for treating or lessening the severity of a variety of diseases, disorders, or conditions, including, but not limited to, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, hereditary hemochromatosis, coagulation-fibrinolysis deficiencies, protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases,I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, polyendocrinopathy/hyperinsulemia, diabetes mellitus, laron dwarfism, myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism, melanoma, glycanosis CDG type 1, congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, diabetes insipidus, neurophysiol, nephrogenic, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, polyglutamine neurological disorders, Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, myotonic dystrophy, spongiform encephalopathies, hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, and Sjögren's disease.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

As used herein, the following definitions shall apply unless otherwise indicated.

The term “ABC-transporter” as used herein means an ABC-transporter protein or a fragment thereof comprising at least one binding domain, wherein said protein or fragment thereof is present in vivo or in vitro. The term “binding domain” as used herein means a domain on the ABC-transporter that can bind to a modulator. See, e.g., Hwang, T. C. et al., J. Gen. Physiol. (1998): 111(3), 477-90.

The term “CFTR” as used herein means cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator or a mutation thereof capable of regulator activity, including, but not limited to, ΔF508 CFTR and G551D CFTR (see, e.g., http://www.genet.sickkids.on.ca/cftr/, for CFTR mutations).

The term “modulating” as used herein means increasing or decreasing, e.g. activity, by a measurable amount. Compounds that modulate ABC Transporter activity, such as CFTR activity, by increasing the activity of the ABC Transporter, e.g., a CFTR anion channel, are called agonists. Compounds that modulate ABC Transporter activity, such as CFTR activity, by decreasing the activity of the ABC Transporter, e.g., CFTR anion channel, are called antagonists. An agonist interacts with an ABC Transporter, such as CFTR anion channel, to increase the ability of the receptor to transduce an intracellular signal in response to endogenous ligand binding. An antagonist interacts with an ABC Transporter, such as CFTR, and competes with the endogenous ligand(s) or substrate(s) for binding site(s) on the receptor to decrease the ability of the receptor to transduce an intracellular signal in response to endogenous ligand binding.

The phrase “treating or reducing the severity of an ABC Transporter mediated disease” refers both to treatments for diseases that are directly caused by ABC Transporter and/or CFTR activities and alleviation of symptoms of diseases not directly caused by ABC Transporter and/or CFTR anion channel activities. Examples of diseases whose symptoms may be affected by ABC Transporter and/or CFTR activity include, but are not limited to, Cystic fibrosis, emphysema, Hereditary hemochromatosis, Coagulation-Fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as Protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, Lipid processing deficiencies, such as Familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, Abetalipoproteinemia, Lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/Pseudo-Hurler, Mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, Polyendocrinopathy/Hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, Myleoperoxidase deficiency, Primary hypoparathyroidism, Melanoma, Glycanosis CDG type 1, emphysema, Congenital hyperthyroidism, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), Neurophysiol DI, Nephrogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders such as Huntington, Spinocerebullar ataxia type I, Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and Myotonic dystrophy, as well as Spongiform encephalopathies, such as Hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, and Sjögren's disease.

For purposes of this invention, the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75th Ed. Additionally, general principles of organic chemistry are described in “Organic Chemistry”, Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausolito: 1999, and “March's Advanced Organic Chemistry”, 5th Ed., Ed.: Smith, M. B. and March, J., John Wiley & Sons, New York: 2001, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As used herein the term “aliphatic” encompasses the terms alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, each of which being optionally substituted as set forth below.

As used herein, an “alkyl” group refers to a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing 1-12 (e.g., 1-8, 1-6, or 1-4) carbon atoms. An alkyl group can be straight or branched. Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-heptyl, or 2-ethylhexyl. An alkyl group can be substituted (i.e., optionally substituted) with one or more substituents such as halo, phospho, cycloaliphatic [e.g., cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl], heterocycloaliphatic [e.g., heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl], aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, acyl [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonyl, (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, or (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl], nitro, cyano, amido [e.g., (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino alkylaminocarbonyl, cycloalkylaminocarbonyl, heterocycloalkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, or heteroarylaminocarbonyl], amino [e.g., aliphaticamino, cycloaliphaticamino, or heterocycloaliphaticamino], sulfonyl [e.g., aliphatic-SO₂—], sulfinyl, sulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, carboxy, carbamoyl, cycloaliphaticoxy, heterocycloaliphaticoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroarylalkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, or hydroxy. Without limitation, some examples of substituted alkyls include carboxyalkyl (such as HOOC-alkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, and alkylcarbonyloxyalkyl), cyanoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, acylalkyl, aralkyl, (alkoxyaryl)alkyl, (sulfonylamino)alkyl (such as (alkyl-SO₂-amino)alkyl), aminoalkyl, amidoalkyl, (cycloaliphatic)alkyl, or haloalkyl.

As used herein, an “alkenyl” group refers to an aliphatic carbon group that contains 2-8 (e.g., 2-12, 2-6, or 2-4) carbon atoms and at least one double bond. Like an alkyl group, an alkenyl group can be straight or branched. Examples of an alkenyl group include, but are not limited to allyl, isoprenyl, 2-butenyl, and 2-hexenyl. An alkenyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as halo, phospho, cycloaliphatic [e.g., cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl], heterocycloaliphatic [e.g., heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl], aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, acyl [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonyl, (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, or (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl], nitro, cyano, amido [e.g., (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino alkylaminocarbonyl, cycloalkylaminocarbonyl, heterocycloalkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, or heteroarylaminocarbonyl], amino [e.g., aliphaticamino, cycloaliphaticamino, heterocycloaliphaticamino, or aliphaticsulfonylamino], sulfonyl [e.g., alkyl-SO₂—, cycloaliphatic-SO₂—, or aryl-SO₂—], sulfinyl, sulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, carboxy, carbamoyl, cycloaliphaticoxy, heterocycloaliphaticoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, or hydroxy. Without limitation, some examples of substituted alkenyls include cyanoalkenyl, alkoxyalkenyl, acylalkenyl, hydroxyalkenyl, aralkenyl, (alkoxyaryl)alkenyl, (sulfonylamino)alkenyl (such as (alkyl-SO₂-amino)alkenyl), aminoalkenyl, amidoalkenyl, (cycloaliphatic)alkenyl, or haloalkenyl.

As used herein, an “alkynyl” group refers to an aliphatic carbon group that contains 2-8 (e.g., 2-12, 2-6, or 2-4) carbon atoms and has at least one triple bond. An alkynyl group can be straight or branched. Examples of an alkynyl group include, but are not limited to, propargyl and butynyl. An alkynyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as aroyl, heteroaroyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, nitro, carboxy, cyano, halo, hydroxy, sulfo, mercapto, sulfanyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfanyl or cycloaliphaticsulfanyl], sulfinyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfinyl or cycloaliphaticsulfinyl], sulfonyl [e.g., aliphatic-SO₂—, aliphaticamino-SO₂—, or cycloaliphatic-SO₂—], amido [e.g., aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylaminocarbonyl, heterocycloalkylaminocarbonyl, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, arylaminocarbonyl, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino or heteroarylaminocarbonyl], urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, cycloaliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl [e.g., (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl or (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl], amino [e.g., aliphaticamino], sulfoxy, oxo, carboxy, carbamoyl, (cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy, or (heteroaryl)alkoxy.

As used herein, an “amido” encompasses both “aminocarbonyl” and “carbonylamino”. These terms when used alone or in connection with another group refer to an amido group such as —N(R^(X))—C(O)—R^(Y) or —C(O)—N(R^(X))₂, when used terminally, and —C(O)—N(R^(X))— or —N(R^(X))—C(O)— when used internally, wherein R^(X) and R^(Y) are defined below. Examples of amido groups include alkylamido (such as alkylcarbonylamino or alkylaminocarbonyl), (heterocycloaliphatic)amido, (heteroaralkyl)amido, (heteroaryl)amido, (heterocycloalkyll)alkylamido, arylamido, aralkylamido, (cycloalkyl)alkylamido, or cycloalkylamido.

As used herein, an “amino” group refers to —NR^(X)R^(Y) wherein each of R^(X) and R^(Y) is independently hydrogen, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, (cycloaliphatic)aliphatic, aryl, araliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, (heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic, heteroaryl, carboxy, sulfanyl, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, (aliphatic)carbonyl, (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, arylcarbonyl, (araliphatic)carbonyl, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, (heteroaryl)carbonyl, or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl, each of which being defined herein and being optionally substituted. Examples of amino groups include alkylamino, dialkylamino, or arylamino. When the term “amino” is not the terminal group (e.g., alkylcarbonylamino), it is represented by —NR^(X)—. R^(X) has the same meaning as defined above.

As used herein, an “aryl” group used alone or as part of a larger moiety as in “aralkyl”, “aralkoxy”, or “aryloxyalkyl” refers to monocyclic (e.g., phenyl); bicyclic (e.g., indenyl, naphthalenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, tetrahydroindenyl); and tricyclic (e.g., fluorenyl tetrahydrofluorenyl, or tetrahydroanthracenyl, anthracenyl) ring systems in which the monocyclic ring system is aromatic or at least one of the rings in a bicyclic or tricyclic ring system is aromatic. The bicyclic and tricyclic groups include benzofused 2-3 membered carbocyclic rings. For example, a benzofused group includes phenyl fused with two or more C₄₋₈ carbocyclic moieties. An aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents including aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl]; cycloaliphatic; (cycloaliphatic)aliphatic; heterocycloaliphatic; (heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic; aryl; heteroaryl; alkoxy; (cycloaliphatic)oxy; (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy; aryloxy; heteroaryloxy; (araliphatic)oxy; (heteroaraliphatic)oxy; aroyl; heteroaroyl; amino; oxo (on a non-aromatic carbocyclic ring of a benzofused bicyclic or tricyclic aryl); nitro; carboxy; amido; acyl [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonyl; (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl; ((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl; (araliphatic)carbonyl; (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl; ((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl; or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl]; sulfonyl [e.g., aliphatic-SO₂— or amino-SO₂—]; sulfinyl [e.g., aliphatic-S(O)— or cycloaliphatic-S(O)—]; sulfanyl [e.g., aliphatic-S—]; cyano; halo; hydroxy; mercapto; sulfoxy; urea; thiourea; sulfamoyl; sulfamide; or carbamoyl. Alternatively, an aryl can be unsubstituted.

Non-limiting examples of substituted aryls include haloaryl [e.g., mono-, di (such as p,m-dihaloaryl), and (trihalo)aryl]; (carboxy)aryl [e.g., (alkoxycarbonyl)aryl, ((aralkyl)carbonyloxy)aryl, and (alkoxycarbonyl)aryl]; (amido)aryl [e.g., (aminocarbonyl)aryl, (((alkylamino)alkyl)aminocarbonyl)aryl, (alkylcarbonyl)aminoaryl, (arylaminocarbonyl)aryl, and (((heteroaryl)amino)carbonyl)aryl]; aminoaryl [e.g., ((alkylsulfonyl)amino)aryl or ((dialkyl)amino)aryl]; (cyanoalkyl)aryl; (alkoxy)aryl; (sulfamoyl)aryl [e.g., (aminosulfonyl)aryl]; (alkylsulfonyl)aryl; (cyano)aryl; (hydroxyalkyl)aryl; ((alkoxy)alkyl)aryl; (hydroxy)aryl, ((carboxy)alkyl)aryl; (((dialkyl)amino)alkyl)aryl; (nitroalkyl)aryl; (((alkylsulfonyl)amino)alkyl)aryl; ((heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl)aryl; ((alkylsulfonyl)alkyl)aryl; (cyanoalkyl)aryl; (hydroxyalkyl)aryl; (alkylcarbonyl)aryl; alkylaryl; (trihaloalkyl)aryl; p-amino-m-alkoxycarbonylaryl; p-amino-m-cyanoaryl; p-halo-m-aminoaryl; or (m-(heterocycloaliphatic)-o-(alkyl))aryl.

As used herein, an “araliphatic” such as an “aralkyl” group refers to an aliphatic group (e.g., a C₁₋₄ alkyl group) that is substituted with an aryl group. “Aliphatic,” “alkyl,” and “aryl” are defined herein. An example of an araliphatic such as an aralkyl group is benzyl.

As used herein, an “aralkyl” group refers to an alkyl group (e.g., a C₁₋₄ alkyl group) that is substituted with an aryl group. Both “alkyl” and “aryl” have been defined above. An example of an aralkyl group is benzyl. An aralkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl, including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl], cycloaliphatic [e.g., cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl], (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyll)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, amido [e.g., aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, or heteroaralkylcarbonylamino], cyano, halo, hydroxy, acyl, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

As used herein, a “bicyclic ring system” includes 8-12 (e.g., 9, 10, or 11) membered structures that form two rings, wherein the two rings have at least one atom in common (e.g., 2 atoms in common). Bicyclic ring systems include bicycloaliphatics (e.g., bicycloalkyl or bicycloalkenyl), bicycloheteroaliphatics, bicyclic aryls, and bicyclic heteroaryls.

As used herein, a “carbocycle” or “cycloaliphatic” group encompasses a “cycloalkyl” group and a “cycloalkenyl” group, each of which being optionally substituted as set forth below.

As used herein, a “cycloalkyl” group refers to a saturated carbocyclic mono- or bicyclic (fused or bridged) ring of 3-10 (e.g., 5-10) carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, adamantyl, norbornyl, cubyl, octahydro-indenyl, decahydro-naphthyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl, bicyclo[3.3.2]decyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, adamantyl, or ((aminocarbonyl)cycloalkyl)cycloalkyl.

A “cycloalkenyl” group, as used herein, refers to a non-aromatic carbocyclic ring of 3-10 (e.g., 4-8) carbon atoms having one or more double bonds. Examples of cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl, 1,4-cyclohexa-di-enyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, hexahydro-indenyl, octahydro-naphthyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octenyl, or bicyclo[3.3.1]nonenyl.

A cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as phosphor, aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl], cycloaliphatic, (cycloaliphatic) aliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, (heterocycloaliphatic) aliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, (cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, (araliphatic)oxy, (heteroaraliphatic)oxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, amido [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonylamino, (cycloaliphatic)carbonylamino, ((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonylamino, (aryl)carbonylamino, (araliphatic)carbonylamino, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonylamino, ((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonylamino, (heteroaryl)carbonylamino, or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonylamino]nitro, carboxy [e.g., HOOC—, alkoxycarbonyl, or alkylcarbonyloxy], acyl [e.g., (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((cycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonyl, (araliphatic)carbonyl, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl], cyano, halo, hydroxy, mercapto, sulfonyl [e.g., alkyl-SO₂— and aryl-SO₂—], sulfinyl [e.g., alkyl-S(O)—], sulfanyl [e.g., alkyl-S—], sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

As used herein, the term “heterocycle” or “heterocycloaliphatic” encompasses a heterocycloalkyl group and a heterocycloalkenyl group, each of which being optionally substituted as set forth below.

As used herein, a “heterocycloalkyl” group refers to a 3-10 membered mono- or bicylic (fused or bridged) (e.g., 5- to 10-membered mono- or bicyclic) saturated ring structure, in which one or more of the ring atoms is a heteroatom (e.g., N, O, S, or combinations thereof). Examples of a heterocycloalkyl group include piperidyl, piperazyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuryl, 1,4-dioxolanyl, 1,4-dithianyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, oxazolidyl, isoxazolidyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholyl, octahydrobenzofuryl, octahydrochromenyl, octahydrothiochromenyl, octahydroindolyl, octahydropyrindinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, octahydrobenzo[b]thiopheneyl, 2-oxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, and 2,6-dioxa-tricyclo[3.3.1.0^(3,7)]nonyl. A monocyclic heterocycloalkyl group can be fused with a phenyl moiety to form structures, such as tetrahydroisoquinoline, which would be categorized as heteroaryls.

A “heterocycloalkenyl” group, as used herein, refers to a mono- or bicylic (e.g., 5- to 10-membered mono- or bicyclic) non-aromatic ring structure having one or more double bonds, and wherein one or more of the ring atoms is a heteroatom (e.g., N, O, or S). Monocyclic and bicyclic heterocycloaliphatics are numbered according to standard chemical nomenclature.

A heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl group can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as phosphor, aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl], cycloaliphatic, (cycloaliphatic)aliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, (heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, (cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, (araliphatic)oxy, (heteroaraliphatic)oxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino, amido [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonylamino, (cycloaliphatic)carbonylamino, ((cycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonylamino, (aryl)carbonylamino, (araliphatic)carbonylamino, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonylamino, ((heterocycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonylamino, (heteroaryl)carbonylamino, or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonylamino], nitro, carboxy [e.g., HOOC—, alkoxycarbonyl, or alkylcarbonyloxy], acyl [e.g., (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((cycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonyl, (araliphatic)carbonyl, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl], nitro, cyano, halo, hydroxy, mercapto, sulfonyl [e.g., alkylsulfonyl or arylsulfonyl], sulfinyl [e.g., alkylsulfinyl], sulfanyl [e.g., alkylsulfanyl], sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

A “heteroaryl” group, as used herein, refers to a monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ring system having 4 to 15 ring atoms wherein one or more of the ring atoms is a heteroatom (e.g., N, O, S, or combinations thereof) and in which the monocyclic ring system is aromatic or at least one of the rings in the bicyclic or tricyclic ring systems is aromatic. A heteroaryl group includes a benzofused ring system having 2 to 3 rings. For example, a benzofused group includes benzo fused with one or two 4 to 8 membered heterocycloaliphatic moieties (e.g., indolizyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolinyl, benzo[b]furyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, quinolinyl, or isoquinolinyl). Some examples of heteroaryl are azetidinyl, pyridyl, 1H-indazolyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuryl, isoquinolinyl, benzthiazolyl, xanthene, thioxanthene, phenothiazine, dihydroindole, benzo[1,3]dioxole, benzo[b]furyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, puryl, cinnolyl, quinolyl, quinazolyl, cinnolyl, phthalazyl, quinazolyl, quinoxalyl, isoquinolyl, 4H-quinolizyl, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, or 1,8-naphthyridyl.

Without limitation, monocyclic heteroaryls include furyl, thiophenyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4-H-pranyl, pyridyl, pyridazyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazyl, or 1,3,5-triazyl. Monocyclic heteroaryls are numbered according to standard chemical nomenclature.

Without limitation, bicyclic heteroaryls include indolizyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolinyl, benzo[b]furyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, indolyl, benzo[b]furyl, bexo[b]thiophenyl, indazolyl, benzimidazyl, benzthiazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolyl, phthalazyl, quinazolyl, quinoxalyl, 1,8-naphthyridyl, or pteridyl. Bicyclic heteroaryls are numbered according to standard chemical nomenclature.

A heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl]; cycloaliphatic; (cycloaliphatic)aliphatic; heterocycloaliphatic; (heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic; aryl; heteroaryl; alkoxy; (cycloaliphatic)oxy; (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy; aryloxy; heteroaryloxy; (araliphatic)oxy; (heteroaraliphatic)oxy; aroyl; heteroaroyl; amino; oxo (on a non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring of a bicyclic or tricyclic heteroaryl); carboxy; amido; acyl [e.g., aliphaticcarbonyl; (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl; ((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl; (araliphatic)carbonyl; (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl; ((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl; or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl]; sulfonyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfonyl or aminosulfonyl]; sulfinyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfinyl]; sulfanyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfanyl]; nitro; cyano; halo; hydroxy; mercapto; sulfoxy; urea; thiourea; sulfamoyl; sulfamide; or carbamoyl. Alternatively, a heteroaryl can be unsubstituted.

Non-limiting examples of substituted heteroaryls include (halo)heteroaryl [e.g., mono- and di-(halo)heteroaryl]; (carboxy)heteroaryl [e.g., (alkoxycarbonyl)heteroaryl]; cyanoheteroaryl; aminoheteroaryl [e.g., ((alkylsulfonyl)amino)heteroaryl and ((dialkyl)amino)heteroaryl]; (amido)heteroaryl [e.g., aminocarbonylheteroaryl, ((alkylcarbonyl)amino)heteroaryl, ((((alkyl)amino)alkyl)aminocarbonyl)heteroaryl, (((heteroaryl)amino)carbonyl)heteroaryl, ((heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl)heteroaryl, and ((alkylcarbonyl)amino)heteroaryl]; (cyanoalkyl)heteroaryl; (alkoxy)heteroaryl; (sulfamoyl)heteroaryl [e.g., (aminosulfonyl)heteroaryl]; (sulfonyl)heteroaryl [e.g., (alkylsulfonyl)heteroaryl]; (hydroxyalkyl)heteroaryl; (alkoxyalkyl)heteroaryl; (hydroxy)heteroaryl; ((carboxy)alkyl)heteroaryl; (((dialkyl)amino)alkyl]heteroaryl; (heterocycloaliphatic)heteroaryl; (cycloaliphatic)heteroaryl; (nitroalkyl)heteroaryl; (((alkylsulfonyl)amino)alkyl)heteroaryl; ((alkylsulfonyl)alkyl)heteroaryl; (cyanoalkyl)heteroaryl; (acyl)heteroaryl [e.g., (alkylcarbonyl)heteroaryl]; (alkyl)heteroaryl, and (haloalkyl)heteroaryl [e.g., trihaloalkylheteroaryl].

A “heteroaraliphatic” (such as a heteroaralkyl group) as used herein, refers to an aliphatic group (e.g., a C₁₋₄ alkyl group) that is substituted with a heteroaryl group. “Aliphatic,” “alkyl,” and “heteroaryl” have been defined above.

A “heteroaralkyl” group, as used herein, refers to an alkyl group (e.g., a C₁₋₄ alkyl group) that is substituted with a heteroaryl group. Both “alkyl” and “heteroaryl” have been defined above. A heteroaralkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, acyl, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

As used herein, “cyclic moiety” and “cyclic group” refer to mono-, bi-, and tri-cyclic ring systems including cycloaliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, aryl, or heteroaryl, each of which has been previously defined.

As used herein, a “bridged bicyclic ring system” refers to a bicyclic heterocyclicaliphatic ring system or bicyclic cycloaliphatic ring system in which the rings are bridged. Examples of bridged bicyclic ring systems include, but are not limited to, adamantanyl, norbornanyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl, bicyclo[3.2.3]nonyl, 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, and 2,6-dioxa-tricyclo[3.3.1.0^(3,7)]nonyl. A bridged bicyclic ring system can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, cyano, halo, hydroxy, acyl, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

As used herein, an “acyl” group refers to a formyl group or R^(X)—C(O)— (such as alkyl-C(O)—, also referred to as “alkylcarbonyl”) where Rx and “alkyl” have been defined previously. Acetyl and pivaloyl are examples of acyl groups.

As used herein, an “aroyl” or “heteroaroyl” refers to an aryl-C(O)— or a heteroaryl-C(O)—. The aryl and heteroaryl portion of the aroyl or heteroaroyl is optionally substituted as previously defined.

As used herein, an “alkoxy” group refers to an alkyl-O— group where “alkyl” has been defined previously.

As used herein, a “carbamoyl” group refers to a group having the structure —O—CO—NR^(X)R^(Y) or —NR^(X)—CO—O—R^(Z), wherein R^(X) and R^(Y) have been defined above and R^(Z) can be aliphatic, aryl, araliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, heteroaryl, or heteroaraliphatic.

As used herein, a “carboxy” group refers to —COOH, —COOR^(X), —OC(O)H, —OC(O)R^(X), when used as a terminal group; or —OC(O)— or —C(O)O— when used as an internal group.

As used herein, a “haloaliphatic” group refers to an aliphatic group substituted with 1-3 halogen. For instance, the term haloalkyl includes the group —CF₃.

As used herein, a “mercapto” group refers to —SH.

As used herein, a “sulfo” group refers to —SO₃H or —SO₃R^(X) when used terminally or —S(O)₃— when used internally.

As used herein, a “sulfamide” group refers to the structure —NR^(X)—S(O)₂—NR^(Y)R^(Z) when used terminally and —NR^(X)—S(O)₂—NR^(Y)— when used internally, wherein R^(X), R^(Y), and R^(Z) have been defined above.

As used herein, a “sulfonamide” group refers to the structure —S(O)₂—NR^(X)R^(Y) or —NR^(X)—S(O)₂—R^(Z) when used terminally; or —S(O)₂—NR^(X)— or —NR^(X)—S(O)₂— when used internally, wherein R^(X), R^(Y), and R^(Z) are defined above.

As used herein a “sulfanyl” group refers to —S—R^(X) when used terminally and —S— when used internally, wherein R^(X) has been defined above. Examples of sulfanyls include aliphatic-S—, cycloaliphatic-S—, aryl-S—, or the like.

As used herein a “sulfinyl” group refers to —S(O)—R^(X) when used terminally and —S(O)— when used internally, wherein R^(X) has been defined above. Exemplary sulfinyl groups include aliphatic-S(O)—, aryl-S(O)—, (cycloaliphatic(aliphatic))-S(O)—, cycloalkyl-S(O)—, heterocycloaliphatic-S(O)—, heteroaryl-S(O)—, or the like.

As used herein, a “sulfonyl” group refers to —S(O)₂—R^(X) when used terminally and —S(O)₂— when used internally, wherein R^(X) has been defined above. Exemplary sulfonyl groups include aliphatic-S(O)₂—, aryl-S(O)₂—, (cycloaliphatic(aliphatic))-S(O)₂—, cycloaliphatic-S(O)₂—, heterocycloaliphatic-S(O)₂—, heteroaryl-S(O)₂—, (cycloaliphatic(amido(aliphatic)))—S(O)₂— or the like.

As used herein, a “sulfoxy” group refers to —O—SO—R^(X) or —SO—O—R^(X), when used terminally and —O—S(O)— or —S(O)—O— when used internally, where Rx has been defined above.

As used herein, a “halogen” or “halo” group refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

As used herein, an “alkoxycarbonyl,” which is encompassed by the term carboxy, used alone or in connection with another group refers to a group such as alkyl-O—C(O)—.

As used herein, an “alkoxyalkyl” refers to an alkyl group such as alkyl-O-alkyl-, wherein alkyl has been defined above.

As used herein, a “carbonyl” refers to —C(O)—.

As used herein, an “oxo” refers to ═O.

As used herein, the term “phospho” refers to phosphinates and phosphonates. Examples of phosphinates and phosphonates include —P(O)(R^(P))₂, wherein R^(P) is aliphatic, alkoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, (cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy aryl, heteroaryl, cycloaliphatic or amino.

As used herein, an “aminoalkyl” refers to the structure (R^(X))₂N-alkyl-.

As used herein, a “cyanoalkyl” refers to the structure (NC)-alkyl-.

As used herein, a “urea” group refers to the structure —NR^(X)—CO—NR^(Y)R^(Z) and a “thiourea” group refers to the structure —NR^(X)—CS—NR^(Y)R^(Z) when used terminally and —NR^(X)—CO—NR^(Y)— or —NR^(X)—CS—NR^(Y)— when used internally, wherein R^(X), R^(Y), and R^(Z) have been defined above.

As used herein, a “guanidine” group refers to the structure —N═C(N(R^(X)R^(Y)))N(R^(X)R^(Y)) or

—NR^(X)—C(═NR^(X))NR^(X)R^(Y) wherein R^(X) and R^(Y) have been defined above.

As used herein, the term “amidino” group refers to the structure —C═(NR^(X))N(R^(X)R^(Y)) wherein R^(X) and R^(Y) have been defined above.

In general, the term “vicinal” refers to the placement of substituents on a group that includes two or more carbon atoms, wherein the substituents are attached to adjacent carbon atoms.

In general, the term “geminal” refers to the placement of substituents on a group that includes two or more carbon atoms, wherein the substituents are attached to the same carbon atom.

The terms “terminally” and “internally” refer to the location of a group within a substituent. A group is terminal when the group is present at the end of the substituent not further bonded to the rest of the chemical structure. Carboxyalkyl, i.e., R^(X)O(O)C-alkyl is an example of a carboxy group used terminally. A group is internal when the group is present in the middle of a substituent of the chemical structure. Alkylcarboxy (e.g., alkyl-C(O)O— or alkyl-OC(O)—) and alkylcarboxyaryl (e.g., alkyl-C(O)O-aryl- or alkyl-O(CO)-aryl-) are examples of carboxy groups used internally.

As used herein, an “aliphatic chain” refers to a branched or straight aliphatic group (e.g., alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, or alkynyl groups). A straight aliphatic chain has the structure —[CH₂]—, where v is 1-12. A branched aliphatic chain is a straight aliphatic chain that is substituted with one or more aliphatic groups. A branched aliphatic chain has the structure —[CQQ]_(v)— where each Q is independently a hydrogen or an aliphatic group; however, Q shall be an aliphatic group in at least one instance. The term aliphatic chain includes alkyl chains, alkenyl chains, and alkynyl chains, where alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl are defined above.

The phrase “optionally substituted” is used interchangeably with the phrase “substituted or unsubstituted.” As described herein, compounds of the invention can optionally be substituted with one or more substituents, such as are illustrated generally above, or as exemplified by particular classes, subclasses, and species of the invention. As described herein, the variables R₁, R₂, and R₃, and other variables contained in formulae described herein encompass specific groups, such as alkyl. Unless otherwise noted, each of the specific groups for the variables R₁, R₂, and R₃, and other variables contained therein can be optionally substituted with one or more substituents described herein. Each substituent of a specific group is further optionally substituted with one to three of halo, cyano, oxo, alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, nitro, aryl, cycloaliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, heteroaryl, haloalkyl, and alkyl. For instance, an alkyl group can be substituted with alkylsulfanyl and the alkylsulfanyl can be optionally substituted with one to three of halo, cyano, oxo, alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, nitro, aryl, haloalkyl, and alkyl. As an additional example, the cycloalkyl portion of a (cycloalkyl)carbonylamino can be optionally substituted with one to three of halo, cyano, alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, haloalkyl, and alkyl. When two alkoxy groups are bound to the same atom or adjacent atoms, the two alkoxy groups can form a ring together with the atom(s) to which they are bound.

In general, the term “substituted,” whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, refers to the replacement of hydrogen radicals in a given structure with the radical of a specified substituent. Specific substituents are described above in the definitions and below in the description of compounds and examples thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, an optionally substituted group can have a substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure can be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent can be either the same or different at every position. A ring substituent, such as a heterocycloalkyl, can be bound to another ring, such as a cycloalkyl, to form a spiro-bicyclic ring system, e.g., both rings share one common atom. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are those combinations that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds.

The phrase “stable or chemically feasible,” as used herein, refers to compounds that are not substantially altered when subjected to conditions to allow for their production, detection, and preferably their recovery, purification, and use for one or more of the purposes disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a stable compound or chemically feasible compound is one that is not substantially altered when kept at a temperature of 40° C. or less, in the absence of moisture or other chemically reactive conditions, for at least a week.

As used herein, an “effective amount” is defined as the amount required to confer a therapeutic effect on the treated patient, and is typically determined based on age, surface area, weight, and condition of the patient. The interrelationship of dosages for animals and humans (based on milligrams per meter squared of body surface) is described by Freireich et al., Cancer Chemother. Rep., 50: 219 (1966). Body surface area may be approximately determined from height and weight of the patient. See, e.g., Scientific Tables, Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Ardsley, N.Y., 537 (1970). As used herein, “patient” refers to a mammal, including a human.

Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include all isomeric (e.g., enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational)) forms of the structure; for example, the R and S configurations for each asymmetric center, (Z) and (E) double bond isomers, and (Z) and (E) conformational isomers. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, all tautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scope of the invention. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the present structures except for the replacement of hydrogen by deuterium or tritium, or the replacement of a carbon by a ¹³C— or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon are within the scope of this invention. Such compounds are useful, for example, as analytical tools or probes in biological assays, or as therapeutic agents.

Compounds of the present invention are useful modulators of ABC transporters and are useful in the treatment of ABC transporter mediated diseases.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula I, wherein two R taken together form —OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, and R₂ is F. In another embodiment, two R taken together form —OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, R₂ is F, and R₃ is CH₃. In another embodiment, two R taken together form —OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, R₂ is F, R₃ is CH₃, and X is CO₂H. In another embodiment, two R taken together form —OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, R₂ is F, R₃ is CH₃, X is CO₂H, and Y is OH.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound of formula II, wherein two R taken together form —OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, and R₂ is F. In another embodiment, two R taken together form —OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, R₂ is F, and R₃ is CH₃.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound having formula Ia:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:     -   R₂ is H or halo.

In another embodiment, R₂ is F.

In another embodiment, the invention features a compound having formula IIa:

-   -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:     -   R₂ is H or halo.

In another embodiment, R₂ is F.

In another embodiment, the invention features the compound

In another embodiment, the invention features the compound

In another aspect, the present invention features a pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) a compound according to any one of the compound claims contained herein; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises an additional agent selected from a mucolytic agent, bronchodialator, an anti-biotic, an anti-infective agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, CFTR corrector, CFTR potentiator, or a nutritional agent.

In another aspect, the present invention features a method of increasing the number of functional ABC transporters in a membrane of a cell, comprising the step of contacting the cell with a compound of the invention. In another embodiment, the ABC transporter is CFTR.

In another aspect, the present invention features a method of treating a condition, disease, or disorder in a subject implicated by ABC transporter activity, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound or composition of the invention.

In another embodiment, the condition, disease, or disorder is selected from cystic fibrosis, emphysema, hereditary hemochromatosis, coagulation-fibrinolysis deficiencies, protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, lipid processing deficiencies, familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, abetalipoproteinemia, lysosomal storage diseases, I-cell disease/pseudo-Hurler, mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, polyendocrinopathy/hyperinsulemia, diabetes mellitus, laron dwarfism, myleoperoxidase deficiency, primary hypoparathyroidism, melanoma, glycanosis CDG type 1, congenital hyperthyroidism, osteogenesis imperfecta, hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, diabetes insipidus (di), neurophyseal di, neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, polyglutamine neurological disorders, Huntington, spinocerebullar ataxia type I, spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, dentatorubal pallidoluysian, myotonic dystrophy, spongiform encephalopathies, hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, COPD, dry-eye disease, or Sjögren's disease. In another embodiment, the condition, disease, or disorder is selected from cystic fibrosis, emphysema, COPD, or dry-eye disease.

In another aspect the present invention features a kit for use in measuring the activity of a ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in a biological sample in vitro or in vivo, comprising: (i) a compound of the invention; and (ii) instructions for: a) contacting the compound with the biological sample; and b) measuring activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof.

In another embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for a) contacting an additional compound with the biological sample; b) measuring the activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in the presence of said additional compound, and c) comparing the activity of the ABC transporter in the presence of the additional compound with the density of the ABC transporter in the presence of the first compound.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula Ia

wherein the variables are as described above, comprising treatment of a compound of formula I-2 with a base.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In another embodiment, treatment comprises contacting the compound of formula I-2 with a base in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the base is an alkali or alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate. In one embodiment, the base is selected from Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, NaOH and LiOH. Typically a stoichiometric excess of the base is used. Typically from about 2 to about 10 equivalents of the base are used relative to the moles of the compound of formula I-2. More typically, about 4 to about 6 molar equivalents of the base are used.

In one embodiment, the solvent is a polar solvent, such as an alcohol or an ether, that is used alone or that is admixed with another liquid. In one embodiment, the solvent is methanol.

In another embodiment, the solvent is methanol admixed with acetonitrile. In another embodiment, the solvent is methanol admixed with isopropanol. Typically about 4 to about 8 volumes of solvent are used. More typically, about 5 to about 7 volumes of solvent are used.

The conversion of the compound of formula I-2 to Ia is typically performed at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to allow for conversion of the starting material to the product. Typically, the temperature is approximately room temperature.

In another embodiment, the process for preparing a compound of formula Ia from a compound of formula I-2 comprises contacting the compound of formula I-2 with an alkali or alkali earth metal base which is a hydroxide or carbonate in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the alkali or alkali earth metal base is Na₂CO₃ and the solvent is methanol.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula I-2 from a compound of formula I-3

comprising contacting the compound of formula I-3 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent to provide a compound of formula I-2; wherein the variables are as described above.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In one embodiment, the oxidant is selected from the group consisting of KMnO₄ and NaMnO₄. In one embodiment, the oxidant is NaMnO₄. Typically, a molar excess of the oxidant is used relative the moles of the compound of formula I-3. Typically, 1.01 to 1.2 molar equivalents of oxidant are used. More typically, 1.05 equivalents of the oxidant are used.

In one embodiment, the solvent is a polar aprotic solvent that is used alone or that is admixed with another liquid. In one embodiment, the solvent is acetone. Typically about 5 to about 15 volumes of solvent are used. More typically, about 7 to about 13 volumes of solvent are used, and more typically, about 9 to about 11 volumes of solvent are used.

The conversion of the compound of formula I-3 to 1-2 is typically performed at a sufficient temperature for sufficient time to allow for conversion of the starting material to the product. Typically, the temperature is below room temperature. For example, the temperature is approximately −10 to about 10° C. More typically, the temperature is approximately −5 to about 5° C.

In another embodiment, the process for preparing a compound of formula I-2 from a compound of formula I-3 comprises contacting the compound of formula I-3 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the oxidant is NaMnO₄ and the solvent is acetone.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula I-3 from a compound of formula I-4

comprising contacting the compound of formula I-4 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent to provide a compound of formula I-3; wherein the variables are as described above.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In one embodiment, the oxidant is selected from the group consisting of sulfur trioxide pyridine complex, pyridinium dichromate (PDC), N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS)/benzenesulfenamide (PhSNHtBu) optionally in the presence of 2-methyl-2-butene as a chlorine scavenger, RuCl₃/NaIO₄, tetramethylpiperidine N-oxide (TEMPO)/bisacetoxyiodobenzene (BIAB)/NaHCO₃, and 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX). In one embodiment, the oxidant is N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS)/benzenesulfenamide (PhSNHtBu) in the presence of a tertiary amine base and 2-methyl-2-butene as a chlorine scavenger. Tertiary amine bases that can be used in this process are well known to the skilled practitioner and include, for example, triethyl amine, diisopropylethyl amine, DBU, DBN, and collidine. In one embodiment, the tertiary amine base is collidine. Typically, a catalytic amount of PhSNHtBu is used, relative to the number of moles of the compound of formula I-4, and the NCS, tertiary amine base, and 2-methyl-2-butene are used in molar excess. For example 0.1 to 0.3 molar equivalent of PhSNHtBu is used, relative to the number of moles of the compound of formula I-4, and 1.1 to 1.5 equivalents of NCS, 1-3 equivalents of tertiary amine base, and 1-3 molar equivalents of 2-methyl-2-butene are used. More typically, For example 0.15 to 0.25 molar equivalent of PhSNHtBu is used, relative to the number of moles of the compound of formula I-4, and 1.1 to 1.3 equivalents of NCS, 1.5-2.5 equivalents of tertiary amine base, and 1.5-2.5 molar equivalents of 2-methyl-2-butene are used.

In one embodiment, the solvent is a polar aprotic solvent that is used alone or that is admixed with another liquid. In one embodiment, the solvent is dichloromethane. Typically about 5 to about 10 volumes of solvent are used. More typically, about 6 to about 8 volumes of solvent are used.

The conversion of the compound of formula I-4 to 1-3 is typically performed at a sufficient temperature for sufficient time to allow for conversion of the starting material to the product. Typically, the temperature is below room temperature. For example, the temperature is approximately −10 to about 10° C. More typically, the temperature is approximately −5 to about 5° C.

In another embodiment, the process for preparing a compound of formula I-3 from a compound of formula I-4 comprises contacting the compound of formula I-3 with is N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS)/benzenesulfenamide (PhSNHtBu) in the presence of a tertiary amine base and 2-methyl-2-butene as a chlorine scavenger in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the tertiary amine base and the solvent is dichloromethane.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula I-4 from a compound of formula I-5

comprising contacting the compound of formula I-4 with carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) in the presence of a solvent to provide a compound of formula I-4; wherein the variables are as described above.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In one embodiment, a molar excess of CDI is used relative to the moles of the compound of formula I-5. Typically, 1.1 to 3 molar equivalents of CDI are used. More typically, 1.5 to 2.5 molar equivalents of CDI are used.

In one embodiment, the solvent is a polar solvent that is used alone or that is admixed with another liquid. In one embodiment, the solvent is an ether or dichloromethane. In one embodiment, the solvent is dichloromethane. Typically about 12 to about 16 volumes of solvent are used. More typically, about 13 to about 15 volumes of solvent are used.

The conversion of the compound of formula I-5 to 1-4 is typically performed at a sufficient temperature for sufficient time to allow for conversion of the starting material to the product. Typically, the temperature is below room temperature. For example, the temperature is approximately −20 to about 10° C. More typically, the temperature is approximately −15 to about 5° C.

In another embodiment, the process for preparing a compound of formula I-4 from a compound of formula I-5 comprises contacting the compound of formula I-5 with CDI in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the solvent is dichloromethane.

In another aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing a compound of formula Ia

comprising converting an ester of formula I-1 to a compound of formula Ia:

-   -   wherein independently for each occurrence:     -   R₂ is H or halo; and     -   R₄ is C₁-C₆ alkyl or benzyl.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F, and R₄ is methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, or benzyl.

In another embodiment, R₂ is H or F, and R₄ is isopropyl or benzyl.

In another embodiment, converting comprises contacting the compound of formula I-1 with a base in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the base is an alkali or alkali metal hydroxide. In one embodiment, the base is NaOH or LiOH.

In one embodiment, the solvent is a polar solvent, such an alcohol or an ether, that is used alone or that is admixed with another liquid. In one embodiment, the solvent is methanol. In another embodiment, the solvent is methanol admixed with water. In another embodiment, the solvent is tetrahydrofuran. In another embodiment, the solvent is tetrahydrofuran admixed with water.

The conversion of the compound of formula I-1 to Ia is typically performed at a temperature for sufficient time to allow for conversion of the starting material to the product. Typically, the temperature is above room temperature. More typically, the temperature is approximately 50° C. Typically reaction times are from about 1 hour to about 24 hours.

In another embodiment, the process for preparing a compound of formula Ia from a compound of formula I-1 comprises contacting the compound of formula I-1 with an alkali or alkali earth metal hydroxide in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the alkali or alkali earth metal hydroxide is LiOH or NaOH and the solvent is methanol alone or admixed with water, or THF alone or admixed with water.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula IIa

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₂ is H or halo; comprising:

-   -   converting the compound of formula I-3 to the compound of         formula IIa.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In one embodiment, treatment comprises contacting the compound of formula I-3 with a base in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the base is an alkali or alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate. In one embodiment, the base is selected from NaOH, KOH, and LiOH. In one embodiment, the base is NaOH. Typically a stoichiometric excess of the base is used. Typically from about 2 to about 10 equivalents of the base are used relative to the moles of the compound of formula I-3. More typically, about 4 to about 6 molar equivalents of the base are used. Typically, the base is used as a solution in water.

In one embodiment, the solvent is a polar solvent, such as an alcohol or an ether, that is used alone or that is admixed with another liquid. In one embodiment, the solvent is methanol.

In another embodiment, the solvent is methanol admixed with acetonitrile. In another embodiment, the solvent is methanol admixed with isopropanol. Typically about 4 to about 8 volumes of solvent are used. More typically, about 5 to about 7 volumes of solvent are used.

The conversion of the compound of formula I-2 to Ia is typically performed at a temperature for sufficient time to allow for conversion of the starting material to the product. Typically, the temperature is approximately room temperature.

In another embodiment, the process for preparing a compound of formula Ia from a compound of formula I-2 comprises contacting the compound of formula I-2 with an alkali or alkali earth metal base which is a hydroxide or carbonate in the presence of a solvent. In one embodiment, the alkali or alkali earth metal base is Na₂CO₃ and the solvent is methanol.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula Ia

wherein the variables are as described above, comprising:

(a) contacting the compound of formula I-3 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula I-2;

and

(b) contacting the compound of formula I-1 with a base in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula Ia.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula Ia

wherein the variables are as described above, comprising:

(a) contacting the compound of formula I-4 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula I-3

(b) contacting the compound of formula I-3 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give compound of formula I-2;

and

(c) contacting the compound of formula I-1 with a base in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula Ia.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula Ia

wherein the variables are as described above, comprising:

(a) contacting the compound of formula I-4 with carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula I-4

(b) contacting the compound of formula I-4 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula I-3

(c) contacting the compound of formula I-3 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give compound of formula I-2;

and

(d) contacting the compound of formula I-1 with a base in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula Ia.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula IIa

wherein the variables are as described above, comprising:

(a) contacting the compound of formula I-4 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula I-3

and

(b) contacting the compound of formula I-3 with a base in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula IIa.

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a process for preparing a compound of formula IIa

wherein the variables are as described above, comprising:

(a) contacting the compound of formula I-4 with carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula I-4;

(b) contacting the compound of formula I-4 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula I-3;

and

(c) contacting the compound of formula I-3 with a base in the presence of a solvent as provided above to give a compound of formula IIa;

In one embodiment of this aspect, R₂ is H or F.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a compound which is:

wherein R₂ and R₄ are defined as above.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a compound which is:

wherein R₂ and R₄ are defined as above.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a compound which is:

wherein R₄ is iPr or benzyl.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a compound which is:

wherein R₄ is iPr or benzyl. Overview of the Synthesis of Compounds of Formula I and Formula II

Compounds of formula I can be prepared by coupling an acid chloride moiety with an amine moiety followed by ring closure according to following Schemes 1 to 5.

Scheme 1 depicts the preparation of R and R₁ substituted benzo-cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride, which is used in Scheme 3 to make the amide linkage of compounds of formula I.

Scheme 2 provides an alternative synthesis of the requisite acid chloride. R-substituted 5-bromobenzene is coupled with ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of a palladium catalyst to form the corresponding alpha cyano ethyl ester. Saponification of the ester moiety to the carboxylic acid gives the cyanoethyl compound. Alkylation of the cyanoethyl compound with R₁ substituted 1-bromo-2-chloro ethane in the presence of base gives the cyanocyclopropyl compound. Treatment of the cyanocyclopropyl compound with base gives the carboxylate salt, which is converted to the carboxylic acid by treatment with acid. Conversion of the carboxylic acid to the acid chloride is then accomplished using a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride or the like.

Scheme 3 provides an overview of the synthesis of the amine moiety of compounds of formula I via a Sonagashira/cyclization protocol. From the silyl protected propargyl alcohol shown, conversion to the propargyl chloride followed by formation of the Grignard reagent and subsequent nucleophilic substitution provides ((R₃-substituted-but-3-ynyloxy)methyl)benzene, which is used in another step of the synthesis. To complete the amine moiety, 4-nitro-3-R₂-aniline is first brominated, and then converted to the toluenesulfonic acid salt of (R)-1-(4-amino-2-bromo-5-R₂-substituted-phenylamino)-3-(benzyloxy)propan-2-ol in a two-step process beginning with alkylation of the aniline amino group by (R)-2-(benzyloxymethyl)oxirane, followed by reduction of the nitro group to the corresponding amine. Palladium catalyzed coupling of the product with ((R₃-substituted-but-3-ynyloxy)methyl)benzene (discussed above) provides the intermediate akynyl compound which is then cyclized to the indole moiety to produce the benzyl protected amine moiety.

Scheme 4 depicts the coupling of the Acid and Amine moieties. In the first step, (R)-1-(5-amino-24 1-(benzyloxy)-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-6-R₂-1H-indol-1-yl)-3-(benzyloxy)propan-2-ol is coupled with 1-(R-substituted-5-yl)cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride to provide the benzyl protected precursors to compounds of formula I. This step can be performed in the presence of a base and a solvent. The base can be an organic base such as triethylamine, and the solvent can be an organic solvent such as DCM or a mixture of DCM and toluene.

In the last step, the benzylated intermediate is deprotected to produce precursors to compounds of formula I. The deprotection step can be accomplished using reducing conditions sufficient to remove the benzyl group. The reducing conditions can be hydrogenation conditions such as hydrogen gas in the presence of a palladium catalyst to provide the alcohol. This material can be converted directly to a compound of formula I via microbial oxidation.

Scheme 5 provides the preparation of a compound of formula II. The product depicted in Scheme 4 is oxidized with pyridinium dichromate in dichloromethane to provide the compound of formula II.

Scheme 6 provides the preparation of a compound of formula I from a compound of formula II. Oxidation of the compound of formula II depicted in Scheme 5 with silver carbonate in the presence of Celite initially gives a cyclic lactone product, which is hydrolyzed in the presence of 2N sodium hydroxide to provide the compound of formula I.

Scheme 7 provides an alternative process for preparing a compound of formula I. The product of Scheme 5 is treated with carbonyl di-imidazole in dichloromethane followed by an acid work-up to provide the carbonate ester. Subsequent steps involve oxidation of the primary alcohol to the aldehyde and subsequently to the carboxylic acid followed by deprotection to give a compound of formula I. Oxidation conditions to convert the alcohol to the aldehyde include Parikh-Doering oxidation of the primary alcohol moiety using sulfur trioxide pyridine complex to give the corresponding aldehyde. Alternative oxidation agents to convert the primary alcohol to the aldehyde include pyridinium dichromate (PDC), N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS)/benzenesulfenamide (PhSNHtBu) optionally in the presence of 2-methyl-2-butene as a chlorine scavenger, RuCl₃/NaIO₄, tetramethylpiperidine N-oxide (TEMPO)/bisacetoxyiodobenzene (BIAB)/NaHCO₃, or 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX). Oxidation conditions to convert the aldehyde to the carboxylic include sodium or potassium permanganate. Sodium carbonate-mediated deprotection in methanol provides the compound of formula I.

Alternatively, one-pot synthesis of the carboxylic acid can be accomplished using tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (TPAP)/N-Methyl morpholine N-oxide (NMO) monohydrate as depicted in Scheme 8. Other oxidants that can be used for this transformation include Oxone/TPAP/NMO/TBAB, and KMnO₄.

The protected carboxylic acid can be deprotected using a base to form a compound of formula I, as depicted in Scheme 9. Bases that can be used for this transformation include NaOH, Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, or Na₂CO₃/NaHCO₃.

Scheme 10 provides an alternative process for making compounds of formula I via a Sonagashira/cyclization protocol similar to that described in Scheme 3 and 4. From the silyl protected propargyl alcohol shown, conversion to the propargyl chloride followed by formation of the Grignard reagent and subsequent nucleophilic substitution provides ((R₃-substituted-isopropyl ester, which is used in another step of the synthesis. To complete the amine moiety, 4-nitro-3-R₂-aniline is first brominated, and then converted to the toluenesulfonic acid salt of (R)-1-(4-amino-2-bromo-5-R₂-substituted-phenylamino)-3-(benzyloxy)propan-2-ol in a two-step process beginning with alkylation of the aniline amino group by (R)-2-(benzyloxymethyl)oxirane, followed by reduction of the nitro group to the corresponding amine. Palladium catalyzed coupling of the product with the R₃-substituted-isopropyl ester (discussed above) provides the intermediate akynyl compound, which is then cyclized to the indole moiety to produce the benzyl protected amine moiety. The same process can be used from silyl-propargyl alcohol to give the benzyl ester. Subsequent coupling with 1-(R-substituted-5-yl)cyclopropanecarbonyl chloride according to Scheme 4 provides the isopropyl ester of a compound of Formula I.

The hydrolysis of the isopropyl ester of Scheme 11 provides the compound of formula Ia. Bases that can be used for this transformation include alkali and alkali metal hydroxides; NaOH, or LiOH, for instance can be used.

Scheme 12 depicts the synthesis of a compound of formula Ia or IIa where R₂ is F. In the first step, the diol is treated with carbonyl di-imidazole to protect the diol moiety as the carbonate ester and then the oxidant N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS)/benzenesulfenamide (PhSNHtBu), used optionally in the presence of 2-methyl-2-butene as a chlorine scavenger, provides the intermediate aldehyde. The intermediate aldehyde is converted to the compound of formula Ia wherein R₂ is F via treatment with permanganate, followed by deprotection in the presence of a base such as Na₂CO₃, to give the desired carboxylic acid as the sodium salt. Alternatively, the intermediate aldehyde is converted to the compound of formula II a, where R₂ is F, via treatment with a base such as Na₂CO₃,

Formulations, Administrations, and Uses

Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are provided, wherein these compositions comprise any of the compounds as described herein, and optionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant or vehicle. In certain embodiments, these compositions optionally further comprise one or more additional therapeutic agents.

It will also be appreciated that certain of the compounds of present invention can exist in free form for treatment, or where appropriate, as a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or a prodrug thereof. According to the present invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or a prodrug includes, but is not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, salts of such esters, or any other adduct or derivative which upon administration to a patient in need is capable of providing, directly or indirectly, a compound as otherwise described herein, or a metabolite or residue thereof.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to those salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animals without undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, and are commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means any non-toxic salt or salt of an ester of a compound of this invention that, upon administration to a recipient, is capable of providing, either directly or indirectly, a compound of this invention or an inhibitorily active metabolite or residue thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, S. M. Berge, et al. describes pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, 1-19, incorporated herein by reference. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include those derived from suitable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the art such as ion exchange. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and the like. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N⁺(C₁₋₄alkyl)₄ salts. This invention also envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen-containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization. Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, loweralkyl sulfonate and aryl sulfonate.

As described above, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of the present invention additionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle, which, as used herein, includes any and all solvents, diluents, or other liquid vehicle, dispersion or suspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening or emulsifying agents, preservatives, solid binders, lubricants and the like, as suited to the particular dosage form desired. Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sixteenth Edition, E. W. Martin (Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1980) discloses various carriers used in formulating pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and known techniques for the preparation thereof. Except insofar as any conventional carrier medium is incompatible with the compounds of the invention, such as by producing any undesirable biological effect or otherwise interacting in a deleterious manner with any other component(s) of the pharmaceutically acceptable composition, its use is contemplated to be within the scope of this invention. Some examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, or potassium sorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, wool fat, sugars such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose and its derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil; safflower oil; sesame oil; olive oil; corn oil and soybean oil; glycols; such a propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; esters such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol, and phosphate buffer solutions, as well as other non-toxic compatible lubricants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents; releasing agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the composition, according to the judgment of the formulator.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a condition, disease, or disorder implicated by ABC transporter activity. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a condition, disease, or disorder implicated by a deficiency of ABC transporter activity, the method comprising administering a composition comprising a compound of formulae (I or Ia) to a subject, preferably a mammal, in need thereof.

In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating Cystic fibrosis, emphysema, Hereditary hemochromatosis, Coagulation-Fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as Protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, Lipid processing deficiencies, such as Familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, Abetalipoproteinemia, Lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/Pseudo-Hurler, Mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, Polyendocrinopathy/Hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, Myleoperoxidase deficiency, Primary hypoparathyroidism, Melanoma, Glycanosis CDG type 1, emphysema, Congenital hyperthyroidism, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), Neurophyseal DI, Neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, Spinocerebullar ataxia type I, Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and Myotonic dystrophy, as well as Spongiform encephalopathies, such as Hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (due to Prion protein processing defect), Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker disease, secretory diarrhea, polycystic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry eye disease, and Sjögren's Syndrome, comprising the step of administering to said mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of formulae (I or Ia), or a preferred embodiment thereof as set forth above.

According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating cystic fibrosis comprising the step of administering to said mammal a composition comprising the step of administering to said mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of formulae (I or Ia), or a preferred embodiment thereof as set forth above.

According to the invention an “effective amount” of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable composition is that amount effective for treating or lessening the severity of one or more of Cystic fibrosis, emphysema, Hereditary hemochromatosis, Coagulation-Fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as Protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, Lipid processing deficiencies, such as Familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, Abetalipoproteinemia, Lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/Pseudo-Hurler, Mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, Polyendocrinopathy/Hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, Myleoperoxidase deficiency, Primary hypoparathyroidism, Melanoma, Glycanosis CDG type 1, emphysema, Congenital hyperthyroidism, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), Neurophyseal DI, Neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, Spinocerebullar ataxia type I, Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and Myotonic dystrophy, as well as Spongiform encephalopathies, such as Hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker disease, secretory diarrhea, polycystic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry eye disease, and Sjögren's Syndrome.

The compounds and compositions, according to the method of the present invention, may be administered using any amount and any route of administration effective for treating or lessening the severity of one or more of Cystic fibrosis, emphysema, Hereditary hemochromatosis, Coagulation-Fibrinolysis deficiencies, such as Protein C deficiency, Type 1 hereditary angioedema, Lipid processing deficiencies, such as Familial hypercholesterolemia, Type 1 chylomicronemia, Abetalipoproteinemia, Lysosomal storage diseases, such as I-cell disease/Pseudo-Hurler, Mucopolysaccharidoses, Sandhof/Tay-Sachs, Crigler-Najjar type II, Polyendocrinopathy/Hyperinsulemia, Diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, Myleoperoxidase deficiency, Primary hypoparathyroidism, Melanoma, Glycanosis CDG type 1, emphysema, Congenital hyperthyroidism, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Hereditary hypofibrinogenemia, ACT deficiency, Diabetes insipidus (DI), Neurophyseal DI, Neprogenic DI, Charcot-Marie Tooth syndrome, Perlizaeus-Merzbacher disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Progressive supranuclear plasy, Pick's disease, several polyglutamine neurological disorders asuch as Huntington, Spinocerebullar ataxia type I, Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy, Dentatorubal pallidoluysian, and Myotonic dystrophy, as well as Spongiform encephalopathies, such as Hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Fabry disease, Straussler-Scheinker disease, secretory diarrhea, polycystic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dry eye disease, and Sjögren's Syndrome.

The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, and general condition of the subject, the severity of the infection, the particular agent, its mode of administration, and the like. The compounds of the invention are preferably formulated in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. The expression “dosage unit form” as used herein refers to a physically discrete unit of agent appropriate for the patient to be treated. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compounds and compositions of the present invention will be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific effective dose level for any particular patient or organism will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed, and like factors well known in the medical arts. The term “patient”, as used herein, means an animal, preferably a mammal, and most preferably a human.

The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention can be administered to humans and other animals orally, rectally, parenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as by powders, ointments, or drops), bucally, as an oral or nasal spray, or the like, depending on the severity of the infection being treated. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention may be administered orally or parenterally at dosage levels of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg and preferably from about 1 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg, of subject body weight per day, one or more times a day, to obtain the desired therapeutic effect.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethylformamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof. Besides inert diluents, the oral compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

Injectable preparations, for example, sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions may be formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution, suspension or emulsion in a nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution, U.S.P. and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil can be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid are used in the preparation of injectables.

The injectable formulations can be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacterial-retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectable medium prior to use.

In order to prolong the effect of a compound of the present invention, it is often desirable to slow the absorption of the compound from subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may be accomplished by the use of a liquid suspension of crystalline or amorphous material with poor water solubility. The rate of absorption of the compound then depends upon its rate of dissolution that, in turn, may depend upon crystal size and crystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption of a parenterally administered compound form is accomplished by dissolving or suspending the compound in an oil vehicle. Injectable depot forms are made by forming microencapsule matrices of the compound in biodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide. Depending upon the ratio of compound to polymer and the nature of the particular polymer employed, the rate of compound release can be controlled. Examples of other biodegradable polymers include poly(orthoesters) and poly(anhydrides). Depot injectable formulations are also prepared by entrapping the compound in liposomes or microemulsions that are compatible with body tissues.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferably suppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of this invention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax which are solid at ambient temperature but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the active compound.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is mixed with at least one inert, pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate and/or a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, b) binders such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, sucrose, and acacia, c) humectants such as glycerol, d) disintegrating agents such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate, e) solution retarding agents such as paraffin, f) absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds, g) wetting agents such as, for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, h) absorbents such as kaolin and bentonite clay, and i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage form may also comprise buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like. The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polethylene glycols and the like.

The active compounds can also be in microencapsulated form with one or more excipients as noted above. The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings, release controlling coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. In such solid dosage forms the active compound may be admixed with at least one inert diluent such as sucrose, lactose or starch. Such dosage forms may also comprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g., tableting lubricants and other tableting aids such a magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering agents. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be used include polymeric substances and waxes.

Dosage forms for topical or transdermal administration of a compound of this invention include ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, powders, solutions, sprays, inhalants or patches. The active component is admixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and any needed preservatives or buffers as may be required. Ophthalmic formulation, eardrops, and eye drops are also contemplated as being within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the present invention contemplates the use of transdermal patches, which have the added advantage of providing controlled delivery of a compound to the body. Such dosage forms are prepared by dissolving or dispensing the compound in the proper medium. Absorption enhancers can also be used to increase the flux of the compound across the skin. The rate can be controlled by either providing a rate controlling membrane or by dispersing the compound in a polymer matrix or gel.

As described generally above, the compounds of the invention are useful as modulators of ABC transporters. Thus, without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the compounds and compositions are particularly useful for treating or lessening the severity of a disease, condition, or disorder where hyperactivity or inactivity of ABC transporters is implicated in the disease, condition, or disorder. When hyperactivity or inactivity of an ABC transporter is implicated in a particular disease, condition, or disorder, the disease, condition, or disorder may also be referred to as a “ABC transporter-mediated disease, condition or disorder”. Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating or lessening the severity of a disease, condition, or disorder where hyperactivity or inactivity of an ABC transporter is implicated in the disease state.

The activity of a compound utilized in this invention as a modulator of an ABC transporter may be assayed according to methods described generally in the art and in the Examples herein.

It will also be appreciated that the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of the present invention can be employed in combination therapies, that is, the compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions can be administered concurrently with, prior to, or subsequent to, one or more other desired therapeutics or medical procedures. The particular combination of therapies (therapeutics or procedures) to employ in a combination regimen will take into account compatibility of the desired therapeutics and/or procedures and the desired therapeutic effect to be achieved. It will also be appreciated that the therapies employed may achieve a desired effect for the same disorder (for example, an inventive compound may be administered concurrently with another agent used to treat the same disorder), or they may achieve different effects (e.g., control of any adverse effects). As used herein, additional therapeutic agents that are normally administered to treat or prevent a particular disease, or condition, are known as “appropriate for the disease, or condition, being treated”.

In one embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is selected from a mucolytic agent, bronchodialator, an antibiotic, an anti-infective agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a CFTR modulator other than a compound of formula I of the invention, or a nutritional agent.

In one embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is an antibiotic. Exemplary antibiotics useful herein include tobramycin, including tobramycin inhaled powder (TIP), azithromycin, aztreonam, including the aerosolized form of aztreonam, amikacin, including liposomal formulations thereof, ciprofloxacin, including formulations thereof suitable for administration by inhalation, levoflaxacin, including aerosolized formulations thereof, and combinations of two antibiotics, e.g., fosfomycin and tobramycin.

In another embodiment, the additional agent is a mucolyte. Exemplary mucolytes useful herein includes Pulmozyme®.

In another embodiment, the additional agent is a bronchodialator. Exemplary bronchodialtors include albuterol, metaprotenerol sulfate, pirbuterol acetate, salmeterol, or tetrabuline sulfate.

In another embodiment, the additional agent is effective in restoring lung airway surface liquid. Such agents improve the movement of salt in and out of cells, allowing mucus in the lung airway to be more hydrated and, therefore, cleared more easily. Exemplary such agents include hypertonic saline, denufosol tetrasodium ([[(3S,5R)-5-(4-amino-2-oxopyrimidin-1-yl)-3-hydroxyoxolan-2-yl]methoxy-hydroxyphosphoryl][[[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(2,4-dioxopyrimidin-1-yl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]methoxy-hydroxyphosphoryl]oxy-hydroxyphosphoryl]hydrogen phosphate), or bronchitol (inhaled formulation of mannitol).

In another embodiment, the additional agent is an anti-inflammatory agent, i.e., an agent that can reduce the inflammation in the lungs. Exemplary such agents useful herein include ibuprofen, docosahexanoic acid (DHA), sildenafil, inhaled glutathione, pioglitazone, hydroxychloroquine, or simavastatin.

In another embodiment, the additional agent is a CFTR modulator other than a compound of formula I, i.e., an agent that has the effect of modulating CFTR activity. Exemplary such agents include ataluren (“PTC124®”; 3-[5-(2-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid), sinapultide, lancovutide, depelestat (a human recombinant neutrophil elastase inhibitor), and cobiprostone (7-{(2R,4aR,5R,7aR)-2-[(3S)-1,1-difluoro-3-methylpentyl]-2-hydroxy-6-oxooctahydrocyclopenta[b]pyran-5-yl}heptanoic acid).

In another embodiment, the additional agent is a nutritional agent. Exemplary nutritional agents include pancrelipase (pancreating enzyme replacement), including Pancrease®, Pancreacarb®, Ultrase®, or Creon®, Liprotomase® (formerly Trizytek®), Aquadeks®, or glutathione inhalation. In one embodiment, the additional nutritional agent is pancrelipase.

In another embodiment, the additional agent is a compound selected from gentamicin, curcumin, cyclophosphamide, 4-phenylbutyrate, miglustat, felodipine, nimodipine, Philoxin B, geniestein, Apigenin, cAMP/cGMP modulators such as rolipram, sildenafil, milrinone, tadalafil, aminone, isoproterenol, albuterol, and almeterol, deoxyspergualin, HSP 90 inhibitors, HSP 70 inhibitors, proteosome inhibitors such as epoxomicin, lactacystin, etc.

In other embodiments, the additional agent is a compound disclosed in WO 2004028480, WO 2004110352, WO 2005094374, WO 2005120497, or WO 2006101740. In another embodiment, the additional agent is a benzo[c]quinolizinium derivative that exhibits CFTR modulation activity or a benzopyran derivative that exhibits CFTR modulation activity. In another embodiment, the additional agent is a compound disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,202,262, 6,992,096, US20060148864, US20060148863, US20060035943, US20050164973, WO2006110483, WO2006044456, WO2006044682, WO2006044505, WO2006044503, WO2006044502, or WO2004091502. In another embodiment, the additional agent is a compound disclosed in WO2004080972, WO2004111014, WO2005035514, WO2005049018, WO2006099256, WO2006127588, or WO2007044560. In another embodiment, the additional agent is N-(5-hydroxy-2,4-ditert-butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-1H-quinoline-3-carboxamide.

In one embodiment, 100 mg of a compound of formula I may be administered to a subject in need thereof followed by co-administration of 150 mg of N-(5-hydroxy-2,4-ditert-butyl-phenyl)-4-oxo-1H-quinoline-3-carboxamide (Compound 2). In another embodiment, 100 mg of a compound of formula I may be administered to a subject in need thereof followed by co-administration of 250 mg of Compound 2. In these embodiments, the dosage amounts may be achieved by administration of one or more tablets of the invention. Compound 2 may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound 2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The duration of administration may continue until amelioration of the disease is achieved or until a subject's physician advises, e.g. duration of administration may be less than a week, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or a month or longer. The co-administration period may be preceded by an administration period of just a compound of formula I alone. For example, there could be administration of 100 mg of Compound 1 for 2 weeks followed by co-administration of 150 mg or 250 mg of Compound 2 for 1 additional week.

In one embodiment, 100 mg of a compound of formula I may be administered once a day to a subject in need thereof followed by co-administration of 150 mg of Compound 2 once a day. In another embodiment, 100 mg of a compound of formula I may be administered once a day to a subject in need thereof followed by co-administration of 250 mg of Compound 2 once a day. In these embodiments, the dosage amounts may be achieved by administration of one or more tablets of the invention. Compound 2 may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound 2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The duration of administration may continue until amelioration of the disease is achieved or until a subject's physician advises, e.g. duration of administration may be less than a week, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or a month or longer. The co-administration period may be preceded by an administration period of just a compound of formula I alone. For example, there could be administration of 100 mg of a compound of formula I for 2 weeks followed by co-administration of 150 mg or 250 mg of Compound 2 for 1 additional week.

In one embodiment, 100 mg of a compound of formula I may be administered once a day to a subject in need thereof followed by co-administration of 150 mg of Compound 2 every 12 hours. In another embodiment, 100 mg of a compound of formula I may be administered once a day to a subject in need thereof followed by co-administration of 250 mg of Compound 2 every 12 hours. In these embodiments, the dosage amounts may be achieved by administration of one or more tablets of the invention. Compound 2 may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound 2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The duration of administration may continue until amelioration of the disease is achieved or until a subject's physician advises, e.g. duration of administration may be less than a week, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, or a month or longer. The co-administration period may be preceded by an administration period of just a compound of formula I alone. For example, there could be administration of 100 mg of a compound of formula I for 2 weeks followed by co-administration of 150 mg or 250 mg of Compound 2 for 1 additional week.

These combinations are useful for treating the diseases described herein including cystic fibrosis. These combinations are also useful in the kits described herein.

The amount of additional therapeutic agent present in the compositions of this invention will be no more than the amount that would normally be administered in a composition comprising that therapeutic agent as the only active agent. Preferably the amount of additional therapeutic agent in the presently disclosed compositions will range from about 50% to 100% of the amount normally present in a composition comprising that agent as the only therapeutically active agent.

The compounds of this invention or pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof may also be incorporated into compositions for coating an implantable medical device, such as prostheses, artificial valves, vascular grafts, stents and catheters. Accordingly, the present invention, in another aspect, includes a composition for coating an implantable device comprising a compound of the present invention as described generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and a carrier suitable for coating said implantable device. In still another aspect, the present invention includes an implantable device coated with a composition comprising a compound of the present invention as described generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and a carrier suitable for coating said implantable device. Suitable coatings and the general preparation of coated implantable devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,099,562; 5,886,026; and 5,304,121. The coatings are typically biocompatible polymeric materials such as a hydrogel polymer, polymethyldisiloxane, polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, ethylene vinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof. The coatings may optionally be further covered by a suitable topcoat of fluorosilicone, polysaccarides, polyethylene glycol, phospholipids or combinations thereof to impart controlled release characteristics in the composition.

Another aspect of the invention relates to modulating ABC transporter activity in a biological sample or a patient (e.g., in vitro or in vivo), which method comprises administering to the patient, or contacting said biological sample with a compound of formula I or a composition comprising said compound. The term “biological sample”, as used herein, includes, without limitation, cell cultures or extracts thereof; biopsied material obtained from a mammal or extracts thereof; and blood, saliva, urine, feces, semen, tears, or other body fluids or extracts thereof.

Modulation of ABC transporter activity in a biological sample is useful for a variety of purposes that are known to one of skill in the art. Examples of such purposes include, but are not limited to, the study of ABC transporters in biological and pathological phenomena; and the comparative evaluation of new modulators of ABC transporters.

In yet another embodiment, a method of modulating activity of an anion channel in vitro or in vivo, is provided comprising the step of contacting said channel with a compound of formulae I or Ia. In preferred embodiments, the anion channel is a chloride channel or a bicarbonate channel. In other preferred embodiments, the anion channel is a chloride channel.

According to an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the number of functional ABC transporters in a membrane of a cell, comprising the step of contacting said cell with a compound of formulae (I or Ia). The term “functional ABC transporter” as used herein means an ABC transporter that is capable of transport activity. In preferred embodiments, said functional ABC transporter is CFTR.

According to another preferred embodiment, the activity of the ABC transporter is measured by measuring the transmembrane voltage potential. Means for measuring the voltage potential across a membrane in the biological sample may employ any of the known methods in the art, such as optical membrane potential assay or other electrophysiological methods.

The optical membrane potential assay utilizes voltage-sensitive FRET sensors described by Gonzalez and Tsien (See, Gonzalez, J. E. and R. Y. Tsien (1995) “Voltage sensing by fluorescence resonance energy transfer in single cells” Biophys J 69(4): 1272-80, and Gonzalez, J. E. and R. Y. Tsien (1997) “Improved indicators of cell membrane potential that use fluorescence resonance energy transfer” Chem Biol 4(4): 269-77) in combination with instrumentation for measuring fluorescence changes such as the Voltage/Ion Probe Reader (VIPR) (See, Gonzalez, J. E., K. Oades, et al. (1999) “Cell-based assays and instrumentation for screening ion-channel targets” Drug Discov Today 4(9): 431-439).

These voltage sensitive assays are based on the change in fluorescence resonant energy transfer (FRET) between the membrane-soluble, voltage-sensitive dye, DiSBAC₂(3), and a fluorescent phospholipid, CC2-DMPE, which is attached to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and acts as a FRET donor. Changes in membrane potential (V_(m)) cause the negatively charged DiSBAC₂(3) to redistribute across the plasma membrane and the amount of energy transfer from CC2-DMPE changes accordingly. The changes in fluorescence emission can be monitored using VIPR™ II, which is an integrated liquid handler and fluorescent detector designed to conduct cell-based screens in 96- or 384-well microtiter plates.

In another aspect the present invention provides a kit for use in measuring the activity of a ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in a biological sample in vitro or in vivo comprising (i) a composition comprising a compound of formulae (I or Ia) or any of the above embodiments; and (ii) instructions for a.) contacting the composition with the biological sample and b.) measuring activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the kit further comprises instructions for a.) contacting an additional composition with the biological sample; b.) measuring the activity of said ABC transporter or a fragment thereof in the presence of said additional compound, and c.) comparing the activity of the ABC transporter in the presence of the additional compound with the density of the ABC transporter in the presence of a composition of formulae (I or Ia). In preferred embodiments, the kit is used to measure the density of CFTR.

In order that the invention described herein may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner.

EXAMPLES

Reagents and Compounds

Vitride® (sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride [or NaAlH₂(OCH₂CH₂OCH₃)₂], 65 wgt % solution in toluene) was purchased from Aldrich Chemicals. 3-Fluoro-4-nitroaniline was purchased from Capot Chemicals. 5-Bromo-2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole was purchased from Alfa Aesar. 2,2-Difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid was purchased from Saltigo (an affiliate of the Lanxess Corporation).

Anywhere in the present application where a name of a compound may not correctly describe the structure of the compound, the structure supersedes the name and governs.

Acid Chloride Moiety

Synthesis of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-methanol

Commercially available 2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole-5-carboxylic acid (1.0 eq) is slurried in toluene (10 vol). Vitride® (2 eq) is added via addition funnel at a rate to maintain the temperature at 15-25° C. At the end of addition the temperature is increased to 40° C. for 2 h then 10% (w/w) aq. NaOH (4.0 eq) is carefully added via addition funnel maintaining the temperature at 40-50° C. After stirring for an additional 30 minutes, the layers are allowed to separate at 40° C. The organic phase is cooled to 20° C. then washed with water (2×1.5 vol), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated to afford crude (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-methanol that is used directly in the next step.

Synthesis of 5-chloromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole

(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-methanol (1.0 eq) is dissolved in MTBE (5 vol). A catalytic amount of DMAP (1 mol %) is added and SOCl₂ (1.2 eq) is added via addition funnel. The SOCl₂ is added at a rate to maintain the temperature in the reactor at 15-25° C. The temperature is increased to 30° C. for 1 hour then cooled to 20° C. then water (4 vol) is added via addition funnel maintaining the temperature at less than 30° C. After stirring for an additional 30 minutes, the layers are allowed to separate. The organic layer is stirred and 10% (w/v) aq. NaOH (4.4 vol) is added. After stirring for 15 to 20 minutes, the layers are allowed to separate. The organic phase is then dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated to afford crude 5-chloromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole that is used directly in the next step.

Synthesis of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-acetonitrile

A solution of 5-chloromethyl-2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole (1 eq) in DMSO (1.25 vol) is added to a slurry of NaCN (1.4 eq) in DMSO (3 vol) maintaining the temperature between 30-40° C. The mixture is stirred for 1 hour then water (6 vol) is added followed by MTBE (4 vol). After stirring for 30 min, the layers are separated. The aqueous layer is extracted with MTBE (1.8 vol). The combined organic layers are washed with water (1.8 vol), dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated to afford crude (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-acetonitrile (95%) that is used directly in the next step.

Synthesis of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarbonitrile

A stock solution of 50% w/w NaOH was degassed via nitrogen sparge for no less than 16 h. An appropriate amount of MTBE was similarly degassed for several hours. To a reactor purged with nitrogen was charged degassed MTBE (143 mL) followed by (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-acetonitrile (40.95 g, 207.7 mmol) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (2.25 g, 10.38 mmol). The volume of the mixture was noted and the mixture was degassed via nitrogen sparge for 30 min. Enough degassed MTBE is charged to return the mixture to the original volume prior to degassing. To the stirring mixture at 23.0° C. was charged degassed 50% w/w NaOH (143 mL) over 10 min followed by 1-bromo-2-chloroethane (44.7 g, 311.6 mmol) over 30 min. The reaction was analyzed by HPLC in 1 h intervals for % conversion. Before sampling, stirring was stopped and the phases allowed to separate. The top organic phase was sampled for analysis. When a % conversion >99% was observed (typically after 2.5-3 h), the reaction mixture was cooled to 10° C. and was charged with water (461 mL) at such a rate as to maintain a temperature <25° C. The temperature was adjusted to 20-25° C. and the phases separated. Note: sufficient time should be allowed for complete phase separation. The aqueous phase was extracted with MTBE (123 mL), and the combined organic phase was washed with 1 N HCl (163 mL) and 5% NaCl (163 mL). The solution of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarbonitrile in MTBE was concentrated to 164 mL under vacuum at 40-50° C. The solution was charged with ethanol (256 mL) and again concentrated to 164 mL under vacuum at 50-60° C. Ethanol (256 mL) was charged and the mixture concentrated to 164 mL under vacuum at 50-60° C. The resulting mixture was cooled to 20-25° C. and diluted with ethanol to 266 mL in preparation for the next step. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO) δ 7.43 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (dd, J=8.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 1.75 (m, 2H), 1.53 (m, 2H).

Synthesis of 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid

The solution of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarbonitrile in ethanol from the previous step was charged with 6 N NaOH (277 mL) over 20 min and heated to an internal temperature of 77-78° C. over 45 min. The reaction progress was monitored by HPLC after 16 h. Note: the consumption of both (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarbonitrile and the primary amide resulting from partial hydrolysis of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarbonitrile were monitored. When a % conversion >99% was observed (typically 100% conversion after 16 h), the reaction mixture was cooled to 25° C. and charged with ethanol (41 mL) and DCM (164 mL) The solution was cooled to 10° C. and charged with 6 N HCl (290 mL) at such a rate as to maintain a temperature <25° C. After warming to 20-25° C., the phases were allowed to separate. The bottom organic phase was collected and the top aqueous phase was back extracted with DCM (164 mL) Note: the aqueous phase was somewhat cloudy before and after the extraction due to a high concentration of inorganic salts. The organics were combined and concentrated under vacuum to 164 mL. Toluene (328 mL) was charged and the mixture condensed to 164 mL at 70-75° C. The mixture was cooled to 45° C., charged with MTBE (364 mL) and stirred at 60° C. for 20 min. The solution was cooled to 25° C. and polish filtered to remove residual inorganic salts. MTBE (123 mL) was used to rinse the reactor and the collected solids. The combined organics were transferred to a clean reactor in preparation for the next step.

Isolation of 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid

The solution of 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid from the previous step is concentrated under vacuum to 164 mL, charged with toluene (328 mL) and concentrated to 164 mL at 70-75° C. The mixture was then heated to 100-105° C. to give a homogeneous solution. After stirring at that temperature for 30 min, the solution was cooled to 5° C. over 2 hours and maintained at 5° C. for 3 hours. The mixture was then filtered and the reactor and collected solid washed with cold 1:1 toluene/n-heptane (2×123 mL). The material was dried under vacuum at 55° C. for 17 hours to provide 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid as an off-white crystalline solid. 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid was isolated in 79% yield from (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-acetonitrile (3 steps including isolation) and with an HPLC purity of 99.0% AUC. ESI-MS m/z calc. 242.04. found 241.58 (M+1)⁺; ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO) δ 12.40 (s, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (dd, J=8.3, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.17 (m, 2H).

Alternative Synthesis of the Acid Chloride Moiety

Synthesis of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-ethylacetate-acetonitrile

A reactor was purged with nitrogen and charged with 900 mL of toluene. The solvent was degassed via nitrogen sparge for no less than 16 h. To the reactor was then charged Na₃PO₄ (155.7 g, 949.5 mmol), followed by bis(dibenzylideneacetone) palladium (0) (7.28 g, 12.66 mmol). A 10% w/w solution of tert-butylphosphine in hexanes (51.23 g, 25.32 mmol) was charged over 10 min at 23° C. from a nitrogen purged addition funnel. The mixture was allowed to stir for 50 min, at which time 5-bromo-2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole (75 g, 316.5 mmol) was added over 1 min. After stirring for an additional 50 min, the mixture was charged with ethyl cyanoacetate (71.6 g, 633.0 mmol) over 5 min followed by water (4.5 mL) in one portion. The mixture was heated to 70° C. over 40 min and analyzed by HPLC every 1-2 h for the percent conversion of the reactant to the product. After conversion was observed (typically 100% conversion after 5-8 h), the mixture was cooled to 20-25° C. and filtered through a celite pad. The celite pad was rinsed with toluene (2×450 mL) and the combined organics were concentrated to 300 mL under vacuum at 60-65° C. The concentrate was charged with 225 mL DMSO and concentrated under vacuum at 70-80° C. until active distillation of the solvent ceased. The solution was cooled to 20-25° C. and diluted to 900 mL with DMSO in preparation for Step 2. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.16-7.10 (m, 2H), 7.03 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (s, 1H), 4.19 (m, 2H), 1.23 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

Synthesis of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-acetonitrile

The DMSO solution of (2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-ethylacetate-acetonitrile from above was charged with 3 N HCl (617.3 mL, 1.85 mol) over 20 min while maintaining an internal temperature <40° C. The mixture was then heated to 75° C. over 1 h and analyzed by HPLC every 1-2 h for % conversion. When a conversion of >99% was observed (typically after 5-6 h), the reaction was cooled to 20-25° C. and extracted with MTBE (2×525 mL), with sufficient time to allow for complete phase separation during the extractions. The combined organic extracts were washed with 5% NaCl (2×375 mL). The solution was then transferred to equipment appropriate for a 1.5-2.5 Torr vacuum distillation that was equipped with a cooled receiver flask. The solution was concentrated under vacuum at <60° C. to remove the solvents. (2,2-Difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-acetonitrile was then distilled from the resulting oil at 125-130° C. (oven temperature) and 1.5-2.0 Torr. (2,2-Difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-acetonitrile was isolated as a clear oil in 66% yield from 5-bromo-2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxole (2 steps) and with an HPLC purity of 91.5% AUC (corresponds to a w/w assay of 95%). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO) δ 7.44 (br s, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (dd, J=8.2, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (s, 2H).

The remaining steps are the same as described above for the synthesis of the acid moiety.

Amine Moiety

Synthesis of 2-bromo-5-fluoro-4-nitroaniline

A flask was charged with 3-fluoro-4-nitroaniline (1.0 equiv) followed by ethyl acetate (10 vol) and stirred to dissolve all solids. N-Bromosuccinimide (1.0 equiv) was added as a portion-wise as to maintain internal temperature of 22° C. At the end of the reaction, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo on a rotavap. The residue was slurried in distilled water (5 vol) to dissolve and remove succinimide. (The succinimide can also be removed by water workup procedure.) The water was decanted and the solid was slurried in 2-propanol (5 vol) overnight. The resulting slurry was filtered and the wetcake was washed with 2-propanol, dried in vacuum oven at 50° C. overnight with N₂ bleed until constant weight was achieved. A yellowish tan solid was isolated (50% yield, 97.5% AUC). Other impurities were a bromo-regioisomer (1.4% AUC) and a di-bromo adduct (1.1% AUC). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.19 (1 H, d, J=8.1 Hz), 7.06 (br. s, 2 H), 6.64 (d, 1 H, J=14.3 Hz).

Synthesis of benzylglycolated-4-ammonium-2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline tosylate salt

A thoroughly dried flask under N₂ was charged with the following: Activated powdered 4A molecular sieves (50 wt % based on 2-bromo-5-fluoro-4-nitroaniline), 2-Bromo-5-fluoro-4-nitroaniline (1.0 equiv), zinc perchlorate dihydrate (20 mol %), and toluene (8 vol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for NMT 30 min. Lastly, (R)-benzyl glycidyl ether (2.0 equiv) in toluene (2 vol) was added in a steady stream. The reaction was heated to 80° C. (internal temperature) and stirred for approximately 7 hours or until 2-Bromo-5-fluoro-4-nitroaniline was <5% AUC.

The reaction was cooled to room temperature and Celite (50 wt %) was added, followed by ethyl acetate (10 vol). The resulting mixture was filtered to remove Celite and sieves and washed with ethyl acetate (2 vol). The filtrate was washed with ammonium chloride solution (4 vol, 20% w/v). The organic layer was washed with sodium bicarbonate solution (4 vol×2.5% w/v). The organic layer was concentrated in vacuo on a rotovap. The resulting slurry was dissolved in isopropyl acetate (10 vol) and this solution was transferred to a Buchi hydrogenator.

The hydrogenator was charged with 5 wt % Pt(S)/C (1.5 mol %) and the mixture was stirred under N₂ at 30° C. (internal temperature). The reaction was flushed with N₂ followed by hydrogen. The hydrogenator pressure was adjusted to 1 Bar of hydrogen and the mixture was stirred rapidly (>1200 rpm). At the end of the reaction, the catalyst was filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with dichloromethane (10 vol). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Any remaining isopropyl acetate was chased with dichloromethane (2 vol) and concentrated on a rotavap to dryness.

The resulting residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (10 vol). p-Toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (1.2 equiv) was added and stirred overnight. The product was filtered and washed with dichloromethane (2 vol) and suction dried. The wetcake was transferred to drying trays and into a vacuum oven and dried at 45° C. with N₂ bleed until constant weight was achieved. Benzylglycolated-4-ammonium-2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline tosylate salt was isolated as an off-white solid.

Chiral purity was determined to be >97% ee.

Synthesis of (3-Chloro-3-methylbut-1-ynyl)trimethylsilane

Propargyl alcohol (1.0 equiv) was charged to a vessel. Aqueous hydrochloric acid (37%, 3.75 vol) was added and stirring begun. During dissolution of the solid alcohol, a modest endotherm (5-6° C.) is observed. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight (16 h), slowly becoming dark red. A 30 L jacketed vessel is charged with water (5 vol) which is then cooled to 10° C. The reaction mixture is transferred slowly into the water by vacuum, maintaining the internal temperature of the mixture below 25° C. Hexanes (3 vol) is added and the resulting mixture is stirred for 0.5 h. The phases were settled and the aqueous phase (pH<1) was drained off and discarded. The organic phase was concentrated in vacuo using a rotary evaporator, furnishing the product as red oil.

Synthesis of (4-(Benzyloxy)-3,3-dimethylbut-1-ynyl)trimethylsilane

Method A

All equivalent and volume descriptors in this part are based on a 250 g reaction. Magnesium turnings (69.5 g, 2.86 mol, 2.0 equiv) were charged to a 3 L 4-neck reactor and stirred with a magnetic stirrer under nitrogen for 0.5 h. The reactor was immersed in an ice-water bath. A solution of the propargyl chloride (250 g, 1.43 mol, 1.0 equiv) in THF (1.8 L, 7.2 vol) was added slowly to the reactor, with stirring, until an initial exotherm (˜10° C.) was observed. The Grignard reagent formation was confirmed by IPC using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Once the exotherm subsided, the remainder of the solution was added slowly, maintaining the batch temperature <15° C. The addition required ˜3.5 h. The resulting dark green mixture was decanted into a 2 L capped bottle.

All equivalent and volume descriptors in this part are based on a 500 g reaction. A 22 L reactor was charged with a solution of benzyl chloromethyl ether (95%, 375 g, 2.31 mol, 0.8 equiv) in THF (1.5 L, 3 vol). The reactor was cooled in an ice-water bath. Two Grignard reagent batches prepared as described above were combined and then added slowly to the benzyl chloromethyl ether solution via an addition funnel, maintaining the batch temperature below 25° C. The addition required 1.5 h. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight (16 h).

All equivalent and volume descriptors in this part are based on a 1 kg reaction. A solution of 15% ammonium chloride was prepared in a 30 L jacketed reactor (1.5 kg in 8.5 kg of water, 10 vol). The solution was cooled to 5° C. Two Grignard reaction mixtures prepared as described above were combined and then transferred into the ammonium chloride solution via a header vessel. An exotherm was observed in this quench, which was carried out at a rate such as to keep the internal temperature below 25° C. Once the transfer was complete, the vessel jacket temperature was set to 25° C. Hexanes (8 L, 8 vol) was added and the mixture was stirred for 0.5 h. After settling the phases, the aqueous phase (pH 9) was drained off and discarded. The remaining organic phase was washed with water (2 L, 2 vol). The organic phase was concentrated in vacuo using a 22 L rotary evaporator, providing the crude product as an orange oil.

Method B

Magnesium turnings (106 g, 4.35 mol, 1.0 eq) were charged to a 22 L reactor and then suspended in THF (760 mL, 1 vol). The vessel was cooled in an ice-water bath such that the batch temperature reached 2° C. A solution of the propargyl chloride (760 g, 4.35 mol, 1.0 equiv) in THF (4.5 L, 6 vol) was added slowly to the reactor. After 100 mL was added, the addition was stopped and the mixture stirred until a 13° C. exotherm was observed, indicating the Grignard reagent initiation. Once the exotherm subsided, another 500 mL of the propargyl chloride solution was added slowly, maintaining the batch temperature <20° C. The Grignard reagent formation was confirmed by IPC using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The remainder of the propargyl chloride solution was added slowly, maintaining the batch temperature <20° C. The addition required ˜1.5 h. The resulting dark green solution was stirred for 0.5 h. The Grignard reagent formation was confirmed by IPC using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. Neat benzyl chloromethyl ether was charged to the reactor addition funnel and then added dropwise into the reactor, maintaining the batch temperature below 25° C. The addition required 1.0 h. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The aqueous work-up and concentration was carried out using the same procedure and relative amounts of materials as in Method A to give the product as an orange oil.

Synthesis of 4-Benzyloxy-3,3-dimethylbut-1-yne

A 30 L jacketed reactor was charged with methanol (6 vol) which was then cooled to 5° C. Potassium hydroxide (85%, 1.3 equiv) was added to the reactor. A 15-20° C. exotherm was observed as the potassium hydroxide dissolved. The jacket temperature was set to 25° C. A solution of 4-benzyloxy-3,3-dimethyl-1-trimethylsilylbut-1-yne (1.0 equiv) in methanol (2 vol) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred until reaction completion, as monitored by HPLC. Typical reaction time at 25° C. is 3-4 h. The reaction mixture is diluted with water (8 vol) and then stirred for 0.5 h. Hexanes (6 vol) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred for 0.5 h. The phases were allowed to settle and then the aqueous phase (pH 10-11) was drained off and discarded. The organic phase was washed with a solution of KOH (85%, 0.4 equiv) in water (8 vol) followed by water (8 vol). The organic phase was then concentrated down using a rotary evaporator, yielding the title material as a yellow-orange oil. Typical purity of this material is in the 80% range with primarily a single impurity present. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, C₆D₆) δ 7.28 (d, 2 H, J=7.4 Hz), 7.18 (t, 2 H, J=7.2 Hz), 7.10 (d, 1H, J=7.2 Hz), 4.35 (s, 2 H), 3.24 (s, 2 H), 1.91 (s, 1 H), 1.25 (s, 6 H).

Synthesis of N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole

Method A

Synthesis of Benzylglycolated 4-Amino-2-(4-benzyloxy-3,3-dimethylbut-1-ynyl)-5-fluoroaniline

Benzylglycolated 4-ammonium-2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline tosylate salt was freebased by stirring the solid in EtOAc (5 vol) and saturated NaHCO₃ solution (5 vol) until clear organic layer was achieved. The resulting layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO₃ solution (5 vol) followed by brine and concentrated in vacuo to obtain benzylglocolated 4-ammonium-2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline tosylate salt as an oil.

Then, a flask was charged with benzylglycolated 4-ammonium-2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline tosylate salt (freebase, 1.0 equiv), Pd(OAc) (4.0 mol %), dppb (6.0 mol %) and powdered K₂CO₃ (3.0 equiv) and stirred with acetonitrile (6 vol) at room temperature. The resulting reaction mixture was degassed for approximately 30 min by bubbling in N₂ with vent. Then 4-benzyloxy-3,3-dimethylbut-1-yne (1.1 equiv) dissolved in acetonitrile (2 vol) was added in a fast stream and heated to 80° C. and stirred until complete consumption of 4-ammonium-2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline tosylate salt was achieved. The reaction slurry was cooled to room temperature and filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with acetonitrile (2 vol). Filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was redissolved in EtOAc (6 vol). The organic layer was washed twice with NH₄Cl solution (20% w/v, 4 vol) and brine (6 vol). The resulting organic layer was concentrated to yield brown oil and used as is in the next reaction.

Synthesis of N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole

Crude oil of benzylglycolated 4-amino-2-(4-benzyloxy-3,3-dimethylbut-1-ynyl)-5-fluoroaniline was dissolved in acetonitrile (6 vol) and added (MeCN)₂PdCl₂ (15 mol %) at room temperature. The resulting mixture was degassed using N₂ with vent for approximately 30 min. Then the reaction mixture was stirred at 80° C. under N₂ blanket overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered through a pad of Celite and washed the cake with acetonitrile (1 vol). The resulting filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and redissolved in EtOAc (5 vol). Deloxane-II THP (5 wt % based on the theoretical yield of N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole) was added and stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was then filtered through a pad of silica (2.5 inch depth, 6 inch diameter filter) and washed with EtOAc (4 vol). The filtrate was concentrated down to a dark brown residue, and used as is in the next reaction.

Repurification of crude N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole:

The crude N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole was dissolved in dichloromethane (˜1.5 vol) and filtered through a pad of silica initially using 30% EtOAc/heptane where impurities were discarded. Then the silica pad was washed with 50% EtOAc/heptane to isolate N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole until faint color was observed in the filtrate. This filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford brown oil which crystallized on standing at room temperature. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ 7.38-7.34 (m, 4 H), 7.32-7.23 (m, 6 H), 7.21 (d, 1 H, J=12.8 Hz), 6.77 (d, 1H, J=9.0 Hz), 6.06 (s, 1 H), 5.13 (d, 1H, J=4.9 Hz), 4.54 (s, 2 H), 4.46 (br. s, 2 H), 4.45 (s, 2 H), 4.33 (d, 1 H, J=12.4 Hz), 4.09-4.04 (m, 2 H), 3.63 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz), 3.56 (d, 1H, J=9.2 Hz), 3.49 (dd, 1H, J=9.8, 4.4 Hz), 3.43 (dd, 1H, J=9.8, 5.7 Hz), 1.40 (s, 6 H).

Synthesis of N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole

Method B

Palladium acetate (33 g, 0.04 eq), dppb (94 g, 0.06 eq), and potassium carbonate (1.5 kg, 3.0 eq) are charged to a reactor. The free based oil benzylglocolated 4-ammonium-2-bromo-5-fluoroaniline (1.5 kg, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in acetonitrile (8.2 L, 4.1 vol) and then added to the reactor. The mixture was sparged with nitrogen gas for NLT 1 h. A solution of 4-benzyloxy-3,3-dimethylbut-1-yne (70%, 1.1 kg, 1.05 eq) in acetonitrile was added to the mixture which was then sparged with nitrogen gas for NLT 1 h. The mixture was heated to 80° C. and then stirred overnight. IPC by HPLC is carried out and the reaction is determined to be complete after 16 h. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and then filtered through a pad of Celite (228 g). The reactor and Celite pad were washed with acetonitrile (2×2 L, 2 vol). The combined phases are concentrated on a 22 L rotary evaporator until 8 L of solvent have been collected, leaving the crude product in 7 L (3.5 vol) of acetonitrile.

Bis-acetonitriledichloropalladium (144 g, 0.15 eq) was charged to the reactor. The crude solution was transferred back into the reactor and the roto-vap bulb was washed with acetonitrile (4 L, 2 vol). The combined solutions were sparged with nitrogen gas for NLT 1 h. The reaction mixture was heated to 80° C. for NLT 16 h. In process control by HPLC shows complete consumption of starting material. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite (300 g). The reactor and filter cake were washed with acetonitrile (3 L, 1.5 vol). The combined filtrates were concentrated to an oil by rotary evaporation. The oil was dissolved in ethyl acetate (8.8 L, 4.4 vol). The solution was washed with 20% ammonium chloride (5 L, 2.5 vol) followed by 5% brine (5 L, 2.5 vol). Silica gel (3.5 kg, 1.8 wt. eq.) of silica gel was added to the organic phase, which was stirred overnight. Deloxan THP II metal scavenger (358 g) and heptane (17.6 L) were added and the resulting mixture was stirred for NLT 3 h. The mixture was filtered through a sintered glass funnel. The filter cake was washed with 30% ethyl acetate in heptane (25 L). The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure to give N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole as a brown paste (1.4 kg).

Synthesis of Benzyl Protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide

1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (1.3 equiv) was slurried in toluene (2.5 vol, based on 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid) and the mixture was heated to 60° C. SOCl₂ (1.7 equiv) was added via addition funnel. The resulting mixture was stirred for 2 hr. The toluene and the excess SOCl₂ were distilled off using rotavop. Additional toluene (2.5 vol, based on 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid) was added and distilled again. The crude acid chloride was dissolved in dichloromethane (2 vol) and added via addition funnel to a mixture of N-benzylglycolated-5-amino-2-(2-benzyloxy-1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-fluoroindole (1.0 equiv), and triethylamine (2.0 equiv) in dichloromethane (7 vol) while maintaining 0-3° C. (internal temperature). The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 4 hrs and then warmed to room temperature overnight. Distilled water (5 vol) was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for NLT 30 min and the layers were separated. The organic phase was washed with 20 wt % K₂CO₃ (4 vol×2) followed by a brine wash (4 vol) and concentrated to afford crude benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-ypcyclopropanecarboxamide as a thick brown oil, which was purified further using silica pad filtration.

Silica Gel Pad Filtration: Crude benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide was dissolved in ethyl acetate (3 vol) in the presence of activated carbon Darco-G (10 wt %, based on theoretical yield of benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide) and stirred at room temperature overnight. To this mixture was added heptane (3 vol) and filtered through a pad of silica gel (2×weight of crude benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide). The silica pad was washed with ethyl acetate/heptane (1:1, 6 vol) or until little color was detected in the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide as viscous reddish brown oil, and used directly in the next step.

Repurification: Benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide was redissolved in dichloromethane (1 vol, based on theoretical yield of benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide) and loaded onto a silica gel pad (2×weight of crude benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide). The silica pad was washed with dichloromethane (2 vol, based on theoretical yield of benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide) and the filtrate was discarded. The silica pad was washed with 30% ethyl acetate/heptane (5 vol) and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide as viscous reddish orange oil, and used directly in the next step.

Synthesis of (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide

Method A

A 20 L autoclave was flushed three times with nitrogen gas and then charged with palladium on carbon (Evonikg E 101 NN/W, 5% Pd, 60% wet, 200 g, 0.075 mol, 0.04 equiv). The autoclave was then flushed with nitrogen three times. A solution of crude benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide (1.3 kg, ˜1.9 mol) in THF (8 L, 6 vol) was added to the autoclave via suction. The vessel was capped and then flushed three times with nitrogen gas. With gentle stirring, the vessel was flushed three times with hydrogen gas, evacuating to atmosphere by diluting with nitrogen. The autoclave was pressurized to 3 Bar with hydrogen and the agitation rate was increased to 800 rpm. Rapid hydrogen uptake was observed (dissolution). Once uptake subsided, the vessel was heated to 50° C.

For safety purposes, the thermostat was shut off at the end of every work-day. The vessel was pressurized to 4 Bar with hydrogen and then isolated from the hydrogen tank.

After 2 full days of reaction, more Pd/C (60 g, 0.023 mol, 0.01 equiv) was added to the mixture. This was done by flushing three times with nitrogen gas and then adding the catalyst through the solids addition port. Resuming the reaction was done as before. After 4 full days, the reaction was deemed complete by HPLC by the disappearance of not only the starting material but also of the peak corresponding to a mono-benzylated intermediate.

The reaction mixture was filtered through a Celite pad. The vessel and filter cake were washed with THF (2 L, 1.5 vol). The Celite pad was then wetted with water and the cake discarded appropriately. The combined filtrate and THF wash were concentrated using a rotary evaporator yielding the crude product as a black oil, 1 kg.

The equivalents and volumes in the following purification are based on 1 kg of crude material. The crude black oil was dissolved in 1:1 ethyl acetate-heptane. The mixture was charged to a pad of silica gel (1.5 kg, 1.5 wt. equiv) in a fitted funnel that had been saturated with 1:1 ethyl acetate-heptane. The silica pad was flushed first with 1:1 ethyl acetate-heptane (6 L, 6 vol) and then with pure ethyl acetate (14 L, 14 vol). The eluent was collected in 4 fractions which were analyzed by HPLC.

The equivalents and volumes in the following purification are based on 0.6 kg of crude material. Fraction 3 was concentrated by rotary evaporation to give a brown foam (600 g) and then redissolved in MTBE (1.8 L, 3 vol). The dark brown solution was stirred overnight at ambient temperature, during which time, crystallization occurred. Heptane (55 mL, 0.1 vol) was added and the mixture was stirred overnight. The mixture was filtered using a Buchner funnel and the filter cake was washed with 3:1 MTBE-heptane (900 mL, 1.5 vol). The filter cake was air-dried for 1 h and then vacuum dried at ambient temperature for 16 h, furnishing 253 g of (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo [d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide as an off-white solid.

The equivalents and volumes for the following purification are based on 1.4 kg of crude material. Fractions 2 and 3 from the above silica gel filtration as well as material from a previous reaction were combined and concentrated to give 1.4 kg of a black oil. The mixture was resubmitted to the silica gel filtration (1.5 kg of silica gel, eluted with 3.5 L, 2.3 vol of 1:1 ethyl acetate-heptane then 9 L, 6 vol of pure ethyl acetate) described above, which upon concentration gave a tan foamy solid (390 g).

The equivalents and volumes for the following purification are based on 390 g of crude material. The tan solid was insoluble in MTBE, so was dissolved in methanol (1.2 L, 3 vol). Using a 4 L Morton reactor equipped with a long-path distillation head, the mixture was distilled down to 2 vol. MTBE (1.2 L, 3 vol) was added and the mixture was distilled back down to 2 vol. A second portion of MTBE (1.6 L, 4 vol) was added and the mixture was distilled back down to 2 vol. A third portion of MTBE (1.2 L, 3 vol) was added and the mixture was distilled back down to 3 vol. Analysis of the distillate by GC revealed it to consist of ˜6% methanol. The thermostat was set to 48° C. (below the boiling temp of the MTBE-methanol azeotrope, which is 52° C.). The mixture was cooled to 20° C. over 2 h, during which time a relatively fast crystallization occurred. After stirring the mixture for 2 h, heptane (20 mL, 0.05 vol) was added and the mixture was stirred overnight (16 h). The mixture was filtered using a Buchner funnel and the filter cake was washed with 3:1 MTBE-heptane (800 mL, 2 vol). The filter cake was air-dried for 1 hand then vacuum dried at ambient temperature for 16 h, furnishing 130 g of (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide as an off-white solid.

Method B

Benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide was dissolved in THF (3 vol) and then stripped to dryness to remove any residual solvent. Benzyl protected (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide was redissolved in THF (4 vol) and added to the hydrogenator containing 5 wt % Pd/C (2.5 mol %, 60% wet, Degussa E5 E101 NN/W). The internal temperature of the reaction was adjusted to 50° C., and flushed with N₂ (x5) followed by hydrogen (x3). The hydrogenator pressure was adjusted to 3 Bar of hydrogen and the mixture was stirred rapidly (>1100 rpm). At the end of the reaction, the catalyst was filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with THF (1 vol). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to obtain a brown foamy residue. The resulting residue was dissolved in MTBE (5 vol) and 0.5N HCl solution (2 vol) and distilled water (1 vol) were added. The mixture was stirred for NLT 30 min and the resulting layers were separated. The organic phase was washed with 10 wt % K₂CO₃ solution (2 vol×2) followed by a brine wash. The organic layer was added to a flask containing silica gel (25 wt %), Deloxan-THP II (5 wt %, 75% wet), and Na₂SO₄ and stirred overnight. The resulting mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and washed with 10% THF/MTBE (3 vol). The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford crude (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide as pale tan foam.

(R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide recovery from the mother liquor: Option A

Silica Gel Pad Filtration: The mother liquor was concentrated in vacuo to obtain a brown foam, dissolved in dichloromethane (2 vol), and filtered through a pad of silica (3×weight of the crude (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide). The silica pad was washed with ethyl acetate/heptane (1:1, 13 vol) and the filtrate was discarded. The silica pad was washed with 10% THF/ethyl acetate (10 vol) and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide as pale tan foam. The above crystallization procedure was followed to isolate the remaining (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide.

(R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide recovery from the mother liquor: Option B

Silica Gel Column Chromatography: After chromatography on silica gel (50% ethyl acetate/hexanes to 100% ethyl acetate), the desired compound was isolated as pale tan foam. The above crystallization procedure was followed to isolate the remaining (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide.

Additional Recrystallization of (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide

Solid (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide (1.35 kg) was suspended in IPA (5.4 L, 4 vol) and then heated to 82° C. Upon complete dissolution (visual), heptane (540 mL, 0.4 vol) was added slowly. The mixture was cooled to 58° C. The mixture was then cooled slowly to 51° C., during which time crystallization occurs. The heat source was shut down and the recrystallization mixture was allowed to cool naturally overnight. The mixture was filtered using a benchtop Buchner funnel and the filter cake was washed with IPA (2.7 L, 2 vol). The filter cake was dried in the funnel under air flow for 8 h and then was oven-dried in vacuo at 45-50° C. overnight to give 1.02 kg of recrystallized (R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide. LC/MS (M+1) 521.5. LC/RT (min) 1.69. ¹H NMR (400.0 MHz, CD₃CN) d 7.69 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (dd, J=1.7, 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1H), 6.34 (s, 1H), 4.32 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 4.15-4.09 (m, 1H), 3.89 (dd, J=6.0, 11.5 Hz, 1H), 3.63-3.52 (m, 3H), 3.42 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 1H), 3.21 (dd, J=6.2, 7.2 Hz, 1H), 3.04 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 1.59 (dd, J=3.8, 6.8 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (s, 3H), 1.33 (s, 3H) and 1.18 (dd, J=3.7, 6.8 Hz, 2H) ppm.

(R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide may also be prepared by one of several synthetic routes disclosed in US published patent application US20090131492, incorporated herein by reference.

Synthesis of 1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-((4R)-8-fluoro-2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,1-dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-[1,4]oxazepino[4,5-a]indol-9-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide

Method A

(R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide (11.5 mmol, 1 equiv) was suspended in DCM (51 mL, 8.5 vol). A solution of Dess-Martin periodinane (0.3 M in DCM, 12.8 mmol, 1.1 equiv) was added at ambient temperature. The mixture was stirred until the reaction was deemed complete by HPLC. A 5% aqueous solution of sodium sulfite was added and the mixture was stirred for up to 4 h. The phases were separated and then the organic phase was washed with 1 N HCl, brine and was then concentrated by rotary evaporation. The residue was purified by chromatography. The yield of purified material was between 7 and 15%.

Method B

(R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide (48.03 mmol, 1 equiv) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (1.25 L, 50 vol) and heated. Silica-supported pyridinium dichromate (Si-PDC, 48.03 mmol, 1 equiv) was charged to the stirring hot solution. The reaction was stirred until deemed complete by HPLC. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of silica gel and the filter cake washed with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL, 2×4 vol). The mother liquor was concentrated by rotary evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography. The yield of the purified material was 13.5%.

Synthesis of (R)-2-(5-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-1H-indol-2-yl)-2-methylpropanoic acid

3.62 g of 1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-((4R)-8-fluoro-2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,1-dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-[1,4]oxazepino[4,5-α]indol-9-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide was charged in a 1 L flask along with 600 mL of toluene and stirred to dissolution. 14.5 g of Ag₂CO₃ in Celite. The heterogenous suspension was heated to 90° C. and held for 7 hours at this temperature. The suspension was then allowed to cool naturally to ambient temperatures and filtered over celite. The celite was washed with ethyl acetate until no product comes off by HPLC, giving 1.24 g of a crude lactone.

Purification of the crude lactone was done by flash chromatography. A flash column was loaded with 22 g of silica. Using 35:65 (ethylacetate-hexanes), 15-20 mL fractions were collected. Combining lactone enriched fractions gave 860 mg of crude lactone. The 860 mg of crude lactone was dissolved in 6 mL of ethyl acetate. 2N NaOH was added portion-wise while simultaneously monitoring HPLC for completion of hydrolysis (<5% of lactone remaining). It required 1.3 mL of 2N NaOH for completion of hydrolysis (<5% of lactone remaining). pH of aq=10-11. The pH was lowered to 3-4 by adding 0.5 mL of 2N HCl. The biphasic mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and the layers were allowed to settle. The organic layer containing the product (HPLC of the aqueous layer does not show product) was washed with 3 mL of H₂O, dried over anhydrous MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated to yield 435 mg of (R)-2-(5-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-1H-indol-2-yl)-2-methylpropanoic acid. LC/MS M+1=535.14.

Alternative Synthesis of (R)-2-(5-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-1H-indol-2-yl)-2-methylpropanoic acid

Step 1. Preparation of

(R)-1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-(1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-2-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-yl)-1H-indol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide (50 g, 1.0 eq) was suspended in dichloromethane (700 mL, 14 vol) and then cooled to −10° C. Solid carbonyl diimidazole (CDI, 34.2 g, 2.2 eq) was added. The reaction was monitored for completion by HPLC. Water (1 L, 20 vol) was added to the mixture and the phases were allowed to separate. The organic phase was solvent swapped into THF and the total volume was adjusted to 500 mL (10 vol). 2 M HCl (400 mL, 8 vol) was added to the THF solution. The mixture was stirred until all peaks coalesced into a single peak by HPLC (approximately 4 h). Toluene (700 mL, 14 vol) was added to the mixture, causing phase separation. The organic phase was washed with water (400 mL, 8 vol). The organic phase was concentrated at reduced pressure to give a light tan foam. The foam was suspended in isopropyl acetate (IPA, 700 mL, 14 vol) and heated to 80° C. n-Heptane (236 mL, 4.7 vol) was added at a rate to maintain the temperature at greater than 75° C. The mixture was cooled to 20° C. at a rate of 10-15° C. per hour. Crystallization occurred at approximately 65° C. The mixture was then filtered. The solid was washed with 1:1 IPA-heptane (120 mL, 2.4 vol) and vacuum-dried at 55° C. for 6 hours.

Step 2. Preparation of

The product from Step 1 was dissolved in dichloromethane (110 mL 20 vol) and then cooled to 10° C. N,N-Diisopropylethylamine (7.0 mL, 4 eq) was added to the mixture. A solution of SO₃.pyridine complex (3.3 g, 2 eq) in DMSO (11 mL, 2 vol) was then added over a period of 20 minutes, at a rate to maintain internal reaction temperature between 0-10° C. When the reaction was complete based on HPLC analysis, water (55 mL, 10 vol) was added to the mixture at a rate to maintain the internal temp between 0-10° C. Some gas evolution was observed. The reaction mixture was then warmed to 25° C. The phases were separated and the organic phase was washed with 1 M HCl (220 mL, 40 vol) and then NaHCO₃ (220 mL, 40 vol). The mixture was concentrated at reduced pressure to give a white foam which was used without further purification.

In an alternative procedure, the product from step 1 (43.5 g, 79.1 mmol) was dissolved in toluene (305 mL, 7 vol). The solution was concentrated to remove residual IPA. The residual solid was then dissolved in dichloromethane (305 mL, 7 vol). 2-Methyl-2-butene (11.2 g, 159 mmol, 2.0 eq), 2,4,6-Collidine (19.3 g, 159 mmol, 2.0 eq) and PhSNH-t-Bu (2.9 g, 16 mmol, 0.20 eq) were added. The mixture was cooled to −5-0° C. N-Chlorosuccinimide (11.9 g, 89 mmol, 1.12 eq) was added in 0.5-1 g portions, maintaining the internal temp at less than 2° C. Once the reaction was complete, aqueous HCl (2 M, 151 mL, 3.5 vol) was added to the mixture. The mixture was stirred for 0.5 h while warming to ambient temperature. Agitation was stopped and the phases were separated. The organic phase was washed with 5% Na₂SO₃ (200 mL, 4.6 vol), and then water (200 mL, 4.6 vol). The organic phase was then concentrated down to an orange oil, which was taken up in isopropanol (270 mL, 6.2 vol). The mixture was heated to 71° C. to dissolve the oil and then cooled to 40° C. at a rate of approximately 10° C./h and then to 25° C. at a rate of 5° C./h. The mixture was filtered using a Buchner funnel. The wet cake was washed with isopropanol (131 mL, 3 vol). The solid product was vacuum-dried at 65° C. overnight.

Step 3. Preparation of

The aldehyde from Step 2 was dissolved in acetone (20 vol) and the mixture was cooled to 0° C. Sodium permanganate (NaMnO₄, 40% solution in water, 1.1 eq) was added slowly. The progress of the reaction was monitored by HPLC. When the reaction was complete based on HPLC analysis, water (10 vol) was added slowly as a solid precipitated out of solution. The mixture was filtered. The solid was washed with acetone. The combined acetone layers were concentrated to give the product as the sodium salt as an orange foam.

In an alternative procedure, the aldehyde from step 2 (35 g, 64.3 mmol) was dissolved in acetone (210 mL, 6 vol). The mixture was concentrated to remove residual IPA. The residual foam was dissolved in acetone (350 mL, 10 vol) and the resulting solution was cooled to −5-0° C. NaMnO₄ (40 wt %, d=1.391 g/mL, 17.22 mL, 1.05 eq) was added in 10 equal portions, keeping the mixture temperature at less than 5° C. The reaction mixture was stirred until complete by HPLC (approximately 30 min). Water (350 mL, 10 vol) and then Celite was added to the mixture slowly, controlling the temperature. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h and then was filtered through a Celite. The brown MnO₂ wet cake was washed with 1:1 acetone-water (150 mL, 4.3 vol). The acetone was removed from the combined filtrates by distillation. NaCl (approximately 17.5 g, 0.5 wt eq.) was added to the aqueous phase (approximately 5 wt % in water). The aqueous phase was extracted with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (350 mL, 10 vol). The organic phase was azeotroped dry with 2-methyltetrahydrofuran until a suspension is observed. The mixture was concentrated to give a crude orange oil, which was suspended in ethanol (350 mL, 10 vol) and then stirred for 1 h. Afterwards, the mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite. The cake was washed with ethanol (70 mL, 2 vol). The solvent was swapped to acetonitrile, during which time, crystallization occurred. The mixture was filtered using a Buchner funnel. The product, a white solid, was washed with acetonitrile (70 mL, 2 vol) was vacuum-dried at 55° C. overnight.

Step 4. Preparation of (R)-2-(5-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-1-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-6-fluoro-1H-indol-2-yl)-2-methylpropanoic acid

The product of Step 3 (5 g, 8.6 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (200 mL) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃, 15 g, 17 eq) was added. The mixture was stirred until the reaction was complete as observed by HPLC, usually approximately 24 h. The reaction mixture was filtered using a Buchner funnel. The solvent was switched to water and the volume was adjusted to 50 mL (10 vol). Acetonitrile (50 mL, 10 vol) was added. The water in the mixture was slowly azeotroped out by vacuum-distillation at 35° C. Acetonitrile was continually replaced in the still pot until solid material started to precipitate. The precipitate was filtered using a Buchner funnel. Filtrations were repeated until the product was pure by HPLC. The mixture was concentrated to give a light brown foam. The solid material was suspended in IPA and then was heated to 60° C. for 2 hours. The suspension was cooled back to 25° C. and then stirred for 1 hour. The mixture was filtered using a Buchner funnel and the cake was washed with IPA (10 mL, 2 vol). The solids were vacuum-dried at 60° C. for at least 24 hours, or until the IPA content was less than 0.5 weight percent by ¹H-NMR analysis.

In an alternative procedure, the Na salt of the product of step 3 (17.5 g, 28 mmol, 1.0 eq) was dissolved in methanol (105 mL, 6 vol) and ahydrous sodium carbonate (15.1 g, 142 mmol, 5 eq) was added. The reaction mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite. The filter cake was washed with methanol (35 mL, 2 vol). The mixture was concentrated down to a final mass of 63 g. Acetonitrile (53 mL, 3 vol) was added to the mixture. The hazy solution was filtered using a Buchner funnel to give a clear solution. The mixture was distilled down to half-volume. Acetonitrile (70 mL, 4 vol) was added slowly to the mixture—the product crystallized out within approximately 5 min. The last two steps can be repeated 1-2 additional times as needed. The mixture was then stirred for no less than 2 h. The white slurry was filtered using a Buchner funnel. The filter cake was washed with acetonitrile (35 mL, 2 vol). The solid product, the sodium salt, was vacuum-dried at 55° C. overnight.

Table 1 below recites analytical data for 1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-((4R)-8-fluoro-2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,1-dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-[1,4]oxazepino[4,5-c]indol-9-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamide.

TABLE 1 LC/MS LC/RT M + 1 min NMR 519.20 12.54 1H NMR (501 MHz, DMSO) □ 7.50 (bs, 1H), 7.44-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.30 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (d, J = 11.5 Hz, 1H), 6.51 (bs, 1H), 6.21 (s, 1H), 4.96 (m, 1H), 4.77 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (d, J = 14.2 Hz, 1H), 4.08 (m, 1H), 3.95 (m, 1H), 3.53 (m, 2H), 1.44 (t, J = 3.2 Hz, 2H), 1.34 (s, 3H), 1.28 (s, 2H), 1.10 (t, J = 3.2 Hz, 2H).

Assays for Detecting and Measuring ΔF508-CFTR Correction Properties of Compounds

Membrane potential optical methods for assaying ΔF508-CFTR modulation properties of compounds.

The assay utilizes fluorescent voltage sensing dyes to measure changes in membrane potential using a fluorescent plate reader (e.g., FLIPR III, Molecular Devices, Inc.) as a readout for increase in functional ΔF508-CFTR in NIH 3T3 cells. The driving force for the response is the creation of a chloride ion gradient in conjunction with channel activation by a single liquid addition step after the cells have previously been treated with compounds and subsequently loaded with a voltage sensing dye.

Identification of Correction Compounds

To identify small molecules that correct the trafficking defect associated with ΔF508-CFTR; a single-addition HTS assay format was developed. Assay Plates containing cells are incubated for ˜2-4 hours in tissue culture incubator at 37° C., 5% CO₂, 90% humidity. Cells are then ready for compound exposure after adhering to the bottom of the assay plates.

The cells were incubated in serum-free medium for 16-24 hrs in tissue culture incubator at 37° C., 5% CO₂, 90% humidity in the presence or absence (negative control) of test compound. The cells were subsequently rinsed 3× with Krebs Ringers solution and loaded with a voltage sensing redistribution dye. To activate ΔF508-CFTR, 10 μM forskolin and the CFTR potentiator, genistein (20 μM), were added along with Cl⁻-free medium to each well. The addition of Cl⁻-free medium promoted Cl⁻ efflux in response to ΔF508-CFTR activation and the resulting membrane depolarization was optically monitored using voltage sensor dyes.

Identification of Potentiator Compounds

To identify potentiators of ΔF508-CFTR, a double-addition HTS assay format was developed. This HTS assay utilizes fluorescent voltage sensing dyes to measure changes in membrane potential on the FLIPR III as a measurement for increase in gating (conductance) of ΔF508 CFTR in temperature-corrected ΔF508 CFTR NIH 3T3 cells. The driving force for the response is a Cl⁻ ion gradient in conjunction with channel activation with forskolin in a single liquid addition step using a fluoresecent plate reader such as FLIPR III after the cells have previously been treated with potentiator compounds (or DMSO vehicle control) and subsequently loaded with a redistribution dye. Solutions:

Bath Solution #1: (in mM) NaCl 160, KCl 4.5, CaCl₂ 2, MgCl₂ 1, HEPES 10, pH 7.4 with NaOH.

Chloride-free bath solution: Chloride salts in Bath Solution #1 are substituted with gluconate salts.

Cell Culture

NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR are used for optical measurements of membrane potential. The cells are maintained at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and 90% humidity in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10% fetal bovine serum, 1×NEAA, β-ME, 1×pen/strep, and 25 mM HEPES in 175 cm² culture flasks. For all optical assays, the cells were seeded at ˜20,000/well in 384-well matrigel-coated plates and cultured for 2 hrs at 37° C. before culturing at 27° C. for 24 hrs. for the potentiator assay. For the correction assays, the cells are cultured at 27° C. or 37° C. with and without compounds for 16-24 hours. Electrophysiological Assays for assaying ΔF508-CFTR modulation properties of compounds.

1. Using Chamber Assay

Using chamber experiments were performed on polarized airway epithelial cells expressing ΔF508-CFTR to further characterize the ΔF508-CFTR modulators identified in the optical assays. Non-CF and CF airway epithelia were isolated from bronchial tissue, cultured as previously described (Galietta, L. J. V., Lantero, S., Gazzolo, A., Sacco, O., Romano, L., Rossi, G. A., & Zegarra-Moran, O. (1998) In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol. 34, 478-481), and plated onto Costar® Snapwell™ filters that were precoated with NIH3T3-conditioned media. After four days the apical media was removed and the cells were grown at an air liquid interface for >14 days prior to use. This resulted in a monolayer of fully differentiated columnar cells that were ciliated, features that are characteristic of airway epithelia. Non-CF HBE were isolated from non-smokers that did not have any known lung disease. CF-HBE were isolated from patients homozygous for ΔF508-CFTR.

HBE grown on Costar® Snapwell™ cell culture inserts were mounted in an Using chamber (Physiologic Instruments, Inc., San Diego, Calif.), and the transepithelial resistance and short-circuit current in the presence of a basolateral to apical Cl⁻ gradient (I_(SC)) were measured using a voltage-clamp system (Department of Bioengineering, University of Iowa, Iowa). Briefly, HBE were examined under voltage-clamp recording conditions (V_(hold)=0 mV) at 37° C. The basolateral solution contained (in mM) 145 NaCl, 0.83 K₂HPO₄, 3.3 KH₂PO₄, 1.2 MgCl₂, 1.2 CaCl₂, 10 Glucose, 10 HEPES (pH adjusted to 7.35 with NaOH) and the apical solution contained (in mM) 145 NaGluconate, 1.2 MgCl₂, 1.2 CaCl₂, 10 glucose, 10 HEPES (pH adjusted to 7.35 with NaOH).

Identification of Correction Compounds

Typical protocol utilized a basolateral to apical membrane Cl⁻ concentration gradient. To set up this gradient, normal ringer was used on the basolateral membrane, whereas apical NaCl was replaced by equimolar sodium gluconate (titrated to pH 7.4 with NaOH) to give a large Cl⁻ concentration gradient across the epithelium. All experiments were performed with intact monolayers. To fully activate ΔF508-CFTR, forskolin (10 μM), PDE inhibitor, IBMX (100 μM) and CFTR potentiator, genistein (50 μM) were added to the apical side.

As observed in other cell types, incubation at low temperatures of FRT cells and human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from diseased CF patients (CF-HBE) expressing ΔF508-CFTR increases the functional density of CFTR in the plasma membrane. To determine the activity of correction compounds, the cells were incubated with test compound for 24-48 hours at 37° C. and were subsequently washed 3× prior to recording. The cAMP- and genistein-mediated I_(SC) in compound-treated cells was normalized to 37° C. controls and expressed as percentage activity of CFTR activity in wt-HBE. Preincubation of the cells with the correction compound significantly increased the cAMP- and genistein-mediated I_(SC) compared to the 37° C. controls.

Identification of Potentiator Compounds

Typical protocol utilized a basolateral to apical membrane Cl⁻ concentration gradient. To set up this gradient, normal ringers was used on the basolateral membrane, whereas apical NaCl was replaced by equimolar sodium gluconate (titrated to pH 7.4 with NaOH) to give a large CF concentration gradient across the epithelium. Forskolin (10 μM) and all test compounds were added to the apical side of the cell culture inserts. The efficacy of the putative ΔF508-CFTR potentiators was compared to that of the known potentiator, genistein.

2. Patch-clamp Recordings

Total Cl⁻ current in ΔF508-NIH3T3 cells was monitored using the perforated-patch recording configuration as previously described (Rae, J., Cooper, K., Gates, P., & Watsky, M. (1991) J. Neurosci. Methods 37, 15-26). Voltage-clamp recordings were performed at 22° C. using an Axopatch 200B patch-clamp amplifier (Axon Instruments Inc., Foster City, Calif.). The pipette solution contained (in mM) 150 N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG)-Cl, 2 MgCl₂, 2 CaCl₂, 10 EGTA, 10 HEPES, and 240 μg/ml amphotericin-B (pH adjusted to 7.35 with HCl). The extracellular medium contained (in mM) 150 NMDG-Cl, 2 MgCl₂, 2 CaCl₂, 10 HEPES (pH adjusted to 7.35 with HCl). Pulse generation, data acquisition, and analysis were performed using a PC equipped with a Digidata 1320 A/D interface in conjunction with Clampex 8 (Axon Instruments Inc.). To activate ΔF508-CFTR, 10 μM forskolin and 20 μM genistein were added to the bath and the current-voltage relation was monitored every 30 sec.

Identification of Correction Compounds

To determine the activity of correction compounds for increasing the density of functional ΔF508-CFTR in the plasma membrane, we used the above-described perforated-patch-recording techniques to measure the current density following 24-hr treatment with the correction compounds. To fully activate ΔF508-CFTR, 10 μM forskolin and 20 μM genistein were added to the cells. Under our recording conditions, the current density following 24-hr incubation at 27° C. was higher than that observed following 24-hr incubation at 37° C. These results are consistent with the known effects of low-temperature incubation on the density of ΔF508-CFTR in the plasma membrane. To determine the effects of correction compounds on CFTR current density, the cells were incubated with 10 μM of the test compound for 24 hours at 37° C. and the current density was compared to the 27° C. and 37° C. controls (% activity). Prior to recording, the cells were washed 3× with extracellular recording medium to remove any remaining test compound. Preincubation with 10 μM of correction compounds significantly increased the cAMP- and genistein-dependent current compared to the 37° C. controls.

Identification of Potentiator Compounds

The ability of ΔF508-CFTR potentiators to increase the macroscopic ΔF508-CFTR current (I_(ΔF508)) in NIH3T3 cells stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR was also investigated using perforated-patch-recording techniques. The potentiators identified from the optical assays evoked a dose-dependent increase in IΔ_(F508) with similar potency and efficacy observed in the optical assays. In all cells examined, the reversal potential before and during potentiator application was around −30 mV, which is the calculated E_(Cl) (−28 mV).

Cell Culture

NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR are used for whole-cell recordings. The cells are maintained at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and 90% humidity in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10% fetal bovine serum, 1×NEAA, β-ME, 1×pen/strep, and 25 mM HEPES in 175 cm² culture flasks. For whole-cell recordings, 2,500-5,000 cells were seeded on poly-L-lysine-coated glass coverslips and cultured for 24-48 hrs at 27° C. before use to test the activity of potentiators; and incubated with or without the correction compound at 37° C. for measuring the activity of correctors.

3. Single-channel Recordings

Gating activity of wt-CFTR and temperature-corrected ΔF508-CFTR expressed in NIH3T3 cells was observed using excised inside-out membrane patch recordings as previously described (Dalemans, W., Barbry, P., Champigny, G., Jallat, S., Dott, K., Dreyer, D., Crystal, R. G., Pavirani, A., Lecocq, J-P., Lazdunski, M. (1991) Nature 354, 526-528) using an Axopatch 200B patch-clamp amplifier (Axon Instruments Inc.). The pipette contained (in mM): 150 NMDG, 150 aspartic acid, 5 CaCl₂, 2 MgCl₂, and 10 HEPES (pH adjusted to 7.35 with Tris base). The bath contained (in mM): 150 NMDG-Cl, 2 MgCl₂, 5 EGTA, 10 TES, and 14 Tris base (pH adjusted to 7.35 with HCl). After excision, both wt- and ΔF508-CFTR were activated by adding 1 mM Mg-ATP, 75 nM of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA; Promega Corp. Madison, Wis.), and 10 mM NaF to inhibit protein phosphatases, which prevented current rundown. The pipette potential was maintained at 80 mV. Channel activity was analyzed from membrane patches containing ≦2 active channels. The maximum number of simultaneous openings determined the number of active channels during the course of an experiment. To determine the single-channel current amplitude, the data recorded from 120 sec of ΔF508-CFTR activity was filtered “off-line” at 100 Hz and then used to construct all-point amplitude histograms that were fitted with multigaussian functions using Bio-Patch Analysis software (Bio-Logic Comp. France). The total microscopic current and open probability (P_(o)) were determined from 120 sec of channel activity. The P_(o) was determined using the Bio-Patch software or from the relationship P_(o)=I/i(N), where I=mean current, i=single-channel current amplitude, and N=number of active channels in patch.

Cell Culture

NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts stably expressing ΔF508-CFTR are used for excised-membrane patch-clamp recordings. The cells are maintained at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ and 90% humidity in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 10% fetal bovine serum, 1×NEAA, β-ME, 1×pen/strep, and 25 mM HEPES in 175 cm² culture flasks. For single channel recordings, 2,500-5,000 cells were seeded on poly-L-lysine-coated glass coverslips and cultured for 24-48 hrs at 27° C. before use.

In Table 2, the following meanings apply:

EC50: “+++” means <2 uM; “++” means between 2 uM to 5 uM; “+” means between 5 uM to 25 uM.

% Efficacy: “+” means <25%; “++” means between 25% and 100%; “+++” means >100%.

TABLE 2 Compound EC50 % Efficacy 1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3] dioxol-5-yl)-N-((4R)- +++ +++ 8-fluoro-2-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-1,1- dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-[1,4]oxazepino[4,5- α]indol-9-yl)cyclopropane carboxamide

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of formula II:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein independently for each occurrence: R is H, OH, OCH₃ or two R taken together form —OCH₂O— or —OCF₂O—; R₁ is H or up to two C₁-C₆ alkyl; R₂ is H or halo; R₃ is H or C₁-C₆ alkyl; and Y is O.
 2. The compound of claim 1 of formula II, wherein two R taken together form —OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, and R₂ is F.
 3. The compound of claim 1 of formula II, wherein two R taken together form OCF₂O—, R₁ is H, R₂ is F, and R₃ is CH₃.
 4. The compound of claim 1, having formula IIa:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R₂ is H or halo.
 5. The compound of claim 4, wherein R₂ is F.
 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is


7. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is


8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising (i) a compound according to claim 1; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 9. A method of treating cystic fibrosis, emphysema, COPD, or dry-eye disease comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound of claim
 1. 10. A process for preparing a compound of formula IIa

wherein R₂ is H or halo, comprising: (a) contacting the compound of formula I-5 with carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) in the presence of a solvent to give a compound of formula I-4;

 (b) contacting the compound of formula I-4 with an oxidant in the presence of a solvent to give a compound of formula I-3;

and  (c) contacting the compound of formula I-3 with a base in the presence of a solvent to give a compound of formula IIa:


11. The process of claim 10, wherein R₂ is H or F. 